We wished reaching a lasting agreement in Cyprus

Denktas stressed that Annan plan, contrary to the comments made, didn’t foresee a new partnership, but it targeted to have a structure which would be the continuation of that of 1960 Cyprus Republic. Denktas pointed out that the expression of ‘virgin birth’ used in the plan about the issue was such an uncertain expression which could not be referred to a new partnership republic. Denktas stated that he was told many times during his contacts that the 1960 republic would be revitalized through constitutional amendment.

Underlining that the authorities given to ‘founder states’ by the plan were very limited in real life, Denktas said that the founder states which would be bound by central constitution and EU norms, could use the authorities given to them only in a limited way.

”We want a lasting agreement beyond a written agreement. We want an agreement which won’t be overthrown by Greek Cypriots. The 1960 treaty was written, but when Greek Cypriots tore it away, the agreement lingered in the air. They took away the title of Republic from us in an unfair way. Although we tell the realities since that date, there aren’t many people who listen to us,” Denktas said.

Denktas commented that Annan plan had a more complicated structure than the 1960 treaty, adding that the implementation of the agreement depended on chance and the intention of the other side.

DENKTAS: ”WE WANT REAL AND EFFECTIVE TURKISH GUARANTY”

Stating that some comments in press claimed that Annan’s plan foresaw continuation of guaranties, Denktas said that mentioned guaranties were not ”real and effective.”

Denktas said that Turkey and Greece which were two guarantors could not yet reach an agreement between them on those guaranties.

Recalling that although guaranties which were foreseen by 1960 agreements were real and effective, the agreement was spoiled, Denktas said that 6,000 soldiers who had to take permission 72 hours before leaving their barracks could not form an effective guaranty.

Denktas, ”we insist on real and effective Turkish guaranty. It is the guaranty of our existence. If anyone takes it from us, Turkish people will disappear here.”

Stating that Greek Cypriot people did not even accept expression of ”people”, Denktas said that the aim of using the expression, ”one people formed by two communities” mentioned in Annan’s plan was to block usage of self-determination right.

Denktas said that Turkish status in 1960 agreements was spoiled in Annan’s plan and recalled that self-determination right, authority to sign and having equal political rights had been given to sides in 1960 agreements.

Denktas said that some comments were made saying that ”Turkish side could use its sovereign authorities in its own field” and stated that the expression of ‘sovereign’ was not mentioned in the agreement text despite his insistence.

Stating that Turkish Cypriot side could only restrict temporarily Greek Cypriot people’s possessing properties and settling in Turkish Cypriot territories, he said that majority of Turkish Cypriot people in Turkish side would be lost after a certain period of time.

Denktas said that the only aim of Greek Cypriot administration was to destroy Turkish Cypriot state and noted that whatever the document said on paper, if the state was taken from Turkish Cypriots, the latter’s name would be minority.

He said that Annan’s plan aimed to remove Turkish Cypriot people from Cyprus. ”It won’t sort out any problem, the aim of the issue is to please Greek Cypriots, Greek lobby and Britain,” Denktas added.

Stating that facts of the island should be taken into consideration for solving the Cyprus issue, Denktas said that Turkish Cypriot side was not considered as a founder partner, but as a minority when Annan’s plan was prepared.

SENER, BABACAN, TUZMEN AND UNAKITAN TO GO TO TRNC ON FRIDAY TO ATTEND TURKEY-TRNC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL MEETINGS

ANKARA – State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener, State Ministers Ali Babacan and Kursat Tuzmen and Finance Minister Kemal Unakýtan will go to TRNC on Friday to attend the Turkey-TRNC Partnership Council meetings.

The method of carrying out the relations between TRNC and Turkey politically and economically will be discussed during the Partnership Council meeting and the activities to support these policies will be determined.

Officials will also work on the plan on formation of a possible customs union between the two countries during the meeting.

The meetings of the partnership council, which was set up in 1997, take place in every six months. The Council is composed of five ministers from Turkey and TRNC.

Meanwhile a preliminary meeting was held in Girne, TRNC on Monday to prepare for the meeting to be held between Turkey and TRNC on Friday. The committees reviewed cooperation opportunities in fields of education, culture, sports and health.

The preliminary meetings will be completed on August 7. On the same day, the economic joint commission will convene.