Our state cannot be removed with referendum.

LEFKOSA (AA) – Holding a press conference following the 13th session of negotiation process aiming to find a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, President Denktas said on Wednesday, "the plan of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has an approach presuming that TRNC had never existed at all. We cannot accept such an approach in constitutional, legal and political aspects. Our chief prosecutor has been dealing with the issue of referendum."

"During today’s session, we said that we had some legal and constitutional difficulties. If TRNC is considered equivalent to the partner state, all these difficulties could be easily overcome," he said.

He said that TRNC, the state of Turkish Cypriots and its history were totally ignored in the referendum practice.

Pointing out the parliament would approve a law about referendum, President Denktas said, "our parliament will not permit a referendum which will remove our parliament and state. At least two thirds of our parliamentarians should cast their votes for its approval. It means destruction of our constitution. But, our constitutional has some unchangeable articles. That is, we are face to face with a legal situation."

"Rehabilitation program for people, who will have to migrate, and the fund of this program should be ready. We cannot risk future of our people," he emphasized and called on Turkish Cypriot people to protect their lands and state.

President Denktas noted, "an expert prepared a report about the people, who will have to migrate. We will need a fund of 4 million U.S. dollars. We presented this report to the Greek Cypriot side as an unofficial document."

"The European Union (EU) wants us to sign an agreement in great haste to correct its own mistake in Cyprus. The EU has been putting pressure on us to come to a conclusion in the possible shortest period. In fact, we need more time since we have been trying to determine future of a nation."

Recalling that they would not meet on Thursday, President Denktas added that United Nations Secretary General Annan’s Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro de Soto would pay a visit to Greek capital Athens tomorrow.