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F.M. Denktas: We Are Ready For Talks Provided That We Do Not Fall Behind Annan Plan
Anadolu Agency: 2/5/2005
LEFKOSA - ''Turkish Cypriot side wants solution in the island and this will was shown in referendum on April 24th, 2004. We are ready for talks provided that we do not fall behind the 5th version of Annan Plan,'' said Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Speaking to Turkish Cypriot Agency on Friday, Denktas said, bringing the issue of going behind the 5th version of Annan Plan onto the agenda would mean disrespect towards the will put forward by Turkish Cypriot side.

''Turkish side is ready for solution; but first of all, Greek Cypriot side should convince UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that it really has the will to work for solution.''

''I want a solution to be reached quickly. However, it is not possible to find a solution with initiatives of Turkish Cypriots or Turkey alone. A solution in Cyprus can only be possible by the true will of Greek Cypriot side for a solution besides the will of Turkish Cypriots,'' he added.

''Thus, conditions should be created to bring Greek Cypriot side to the point of compromise with Turkish side. Financial aid and direct trade regulations which are on the agenda of the EU should be rapidly implemented,'' noted Denktas.

Denktas said, ''the proposal to change 8 articles of Annan Plan which was presented by Greek Cypriot communist AKEL party is not sincere. This proposal does not coincide with philosophy and parameters of Annan Plan. Although, for months, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has been expecting Greek Cypriot side to make the changes they want to do on Plan, Greek Cypriots do not exert any efforts regarding the issue.''

''Approach of AKEL is artificial. They do not coincide with parameters and balance within Annan Plan. Their approach is far away from sincerity and aims to carry Cyprus issue to a different point in the UN,'' he added.

Noting that changes which are envisaged to be made in Green Line Regulation cannot replace Direct Trade Regulation, Denktas said ''a single Turkish soldier in the island will not withdraw until a solution is reached in Cyprus problem.''