UN’s de Soto: I admire Denktas

In comments to Greek Cypriot daily Politis, de Soto pointed out that during previous Cyprus meetings and in public statements Denktas had repeatedly said that Turkish and Greek Cypriots could not live together. Because of this, said de Soto, he was quite surprised to learn that freedom of movement between northern and southern Cyprus had been allowed with a decision taken by the TRNC Cabinet.

Expressing the opinion that the permitting of free passage was without a doubt a political move on the part of the TRNC, de Soto said: "I know Denktas is angry at me because I expressed my amazement, but my amazement was one of satisfaction."

When asked his opinion of Denktas, de Soto responded: "I admire him. He is a man with clear beliefs. He is stable in his approach and doesn’t change his attitude. I truly believe he is a leader. The problem is that during the meetings, the direction pursued by the Turkish Cypriot side would not have led to a solution within a realistic framework. However, I feel great admiration towards him."

aa / Lefkosa (Nicosia) / CYPRUS