Papadopulos says solution with Denktas not possible

"Mr. Denktas holds the view that Annan plan is no starting point for negotiations and it should be removed. But my experiences show the opposite," Papadopulos said.

He said that Greek Cyprus was arguing for a functional and permanent solution, and added that Greek Cypriots were not trying to take Turkish Cypriots’ rights from them.

Papadopulos indicated that Turkey’s position on Cyprus problem was seen as a determining factor by the EU countries in Turkish-EU relations and added: "If Turkey does not contribute to the solution of Cyprus problem, then the EU will create problems with regards the date for starting accession negotiations in 2004."

“We all know that Turkey will not be accepted into the EU in a short time like for years. Turkish administration might think that why should Turkey give up Cyprus for something which will not come in the next seven or ten years, and might believe that holding Cyprus would be beneficial for Turkey in accession negotiations,” he said.

He said that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkish army’s views on Cyprus, and made generalized statements such as Turkey would like to solve the problem before next May, but he repeated Denktas’ views when he was asked what kind of solution Turkey is seeking for.

Concerning free circulation of people in Cyprus, Papadopulos said that Greek Cyprus never put barriers on Turkish Cypriots’ travel to the south.