Denktas In Istanbul

ISTANBUL - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Tuesday that opening of border gates on the island was positive in many senses, stating that, ''we hope that it will help balancing of negotiation basis.''
Speaking at this arrival at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Denktas said Turkish side launched a very big initiative and opened its border gates under some specific conditions. He said this was met with great interest.
Stating that the Greek Cypriot side rejected this for a long time, Denktas said, ''recently, I wrote a letter to Papadopoulos and proposed that we might launch initiatives. He rejected it. Those who saw this began to say 'what will happen to settlement? what will happen to right of getting property?' Right of Settlement and Property is under the authority of a State. It may put some quotas to protect its existence. We have opened the border gates by preserving this right. We hope this will help balancing of negotiation basis. Cyprus question could not be solved so far as the basis was not balanced. Greek Cypriot side had thought of us as a community living under occupation, suffering in economic sense and living in shanty houses. Now that those who come to see us are amazed.''
Denktas said particularly the Greek Cypriot youth were not aware of what had happened to Turkish Cypriots, stating that they were shocked when they were briefed about the mass graves.
Pointing out that the visits were beneficial, Denktas said, ''they will see the facts. I think they will appreciate and think that it would be an honor to make partnership under equal conditions with people who stand on its foot, and who has a state equal to theirs.''
Denktas will address a conference in Sakarya University on Wednesday.
(AY) 29.04.2003