Denktas: Annan Plan Is Not On My Table

LEFKOSA - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that the plan, presented by the U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, was not on his table.
Speaking after his meeting with U.S. State Department Cyprus Special Coordinator Thomas Weston, Denktas said no solution plan was brought onto the agenda, stating that, ''Annan plan is not on my table.''
Denktas said they were examining the situation, adding that, ''everybody knows where we are. Our accession to the European Union (EU) can be possible for us with Turkey's entrance to the EU. We can not go on the way to the EU and remove Turkey's right, which is Turkish-Greek balance, with our own signature. This balance protects our rights.''
Denktas said they exchanged views, adding that Weston did not bring any proposal.
When Denktas was reminded the statements of Greek Cypriot administration foreign minister Georgios Iacovou that U.S.President would take action directly on Cyprus question, and asked about his views, he said, ''I wish U.S. President to know Cyprus facts in details. I don't believe that much busy and important person knows facts about Cyprus totally. He would act according to the reports given to him. Those are the reports given by those who visit the island. Nobody knows to what extend they are realistic.''
When journalists said news reports appeared in Greek Cypriot media that the talks could resume in September, and asked whether or not this issue was discussed at the meeting, Denktas said no such thing was taken up during the talks.
Responding to the question of a Greek Cypriot journalist about the package of the EU for Turkish Cypriots, Denktas said, ''this is not the package of the EU, it is the package of Greek Cypriots.'' Denktas also said Greek Cypriot officials pointed out this many times.
Denktas said he would talk with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen, and noted that free trade should be provided between TRNC and Greek Cypriot side.
Denktas said he had a positive and productive meeting with Weston.
(AY-AÖ) 16.06.2003