Denktas Clarifies His Proposal About Opening Of Maras To Settlement

''WE CAN OPEN IT BOTH TO TURKS AND GREEK CYPRIOTS''

LEFKOSA - TRNC President Rauf Denktas said on Wednesday that if his proposal about opening of Maras to settlement under the supervision of U.N. together with Lefkosa International Airport, was rejected, Denktas said that ''then, we can open it both to Turkish and Greek Cypriots.''
''Greek Cypriots who want to come can repair their building and stay there,'' said Denktas during a meeting.
''This is my view, it has not been definite yet. A decision will be taken about the issue after discussing it with friends,'' said Denktas.
''Will you open Maras to Turks or Greek Cypriots?'' asked journalists to Denktas who said that ''we'll open it to everybody.'' ''Does it mean you will tell Greek Cypriots 'come and settle here under my control?''' asked journalists to Denktas who said that ''yes, if their government does not accept opening Maras to settlement under the control of U.N., Greek Cypriots can come and repair their building.''
When reminded about the prevention of initiatives of opening Maras to settlement by U.N. Security Council in the past, TRNC President Denktas said that ''I also have a message for them. When Maras goes really bad and it ruins, will they take responsibility and give money for it?''
Denktas said that many of the buildings in Maras were built on the territories of pious foundations, reiterating that the region would not be kept closed any more. ''This is my view, we have not taken a decision about it yet, but the region can't stay closed. I try to explain that we have alternatives on all issues and we are not in a position to give in to the things imposed by others.''
(Öª-AÖ) 16.07.2003