Denktas: We Saw Many Calendars

As Annan decided to resume talks to solve the Cyprus issue until May 1, eyes are fixed on New York, where negotiations will start today. UN circles in New York are hoping to settle the issue at once, as May 1 (When the European Union will admit Greek Cypriots as a member, representing whole Cyprus) is approaching. However, the stance of the Turkish and Greek Cypriot delegations, which went from Cyprus to New York, does not seem to fit in well with this expectation.

On his way to New York, Denktas said, “We saw many such calendars.” Even though it is not directly related to the negotiations, that statement reflected the mood. Moreover, in spite of the fact that Annan stated in his invitation letter that, if parties went to New York this would mean accepting his conditions, both Turkish and Greek Cypriot delegations think that their being in New York cannot be regarded as an approval of that provision.

Following the letter of Annan, Ankara and Lefkosa decided in summit meetings, not to make any statements on the issue before the public opinion.