LEFKOSA - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Tuesday that states have the right to take decisions in its relations with the neighbors, stating that the decision, taken in TRNC Council of Ministers allowing reciprocal passages could be changed if it was considered as damaging.
Responding to the questions of reporters on the issue, Denktas said he hoped the implementation would go well, stating that, ''Greek Cypriot side will see that TRNC people were not enemies and that it did not have intention to be under the power of Greek Cypriots.''
Denktas said despite there was a cease-fire between them and the Greek Cypriot side, they focused on requirement of a basis for a valid and lasting agreement.
Denktas stated that passages were also related to economy, noting that the tourists could be requested to make insurance in their passages with their cars.
Responding to a question whether or not any information was given to the U.N. about the decision of Council of Ministers, Denktas said they talked to some diplomats.
Denktas said they wanted to start contacts for good neighborhood, noting that, ''we think this may help political compromise.''
ANKARA THINKS DECISION WILL CONTRIBUTE TO PEACE AND STABILITY
Ankara on Tuesday welcomed the decision of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Council of Ministers to allow passages to Greek Cypriot side.
Diplomatic sources said the steps taken by Turkish Cypriot authorities in this respect ''would contribute to peace and stability on Cyprus''.
Recalling that facilitation of passages between the two sides and modernization of commercial relations were among the proposals which TRNC President Rauf Denktas made to Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos on April 2, the diplomatic sources underlined that Ankara had supported proposals of Denktas.
Sources said, ''TRNC government decided to implement the proposals in the package in question unilaterally. Turkey evaluates those steps taken by Turkish Cypriot side as contribution to peace and stability on Cyprus.''
(AY-AÖ) 22.04.2003