LEFKOSA - TRNC President Rauf Denktas said on Wednesday that there was no extraordinary situation in Maras.
Responding to questions of journalists about opening of Maras to settlement during a meeting, TRNC President Denktas said that ''there is no new development about Maras. We told what we had told, we had made our proposal and we had received our response. If persons apply, we will think about them.''
Regarding the statements claiming that buildings which stayed in the region which was close for 30 years would not be repaired, TRNC President Denktas said that ''people who didn't go and see Maras speak on their own.''
''It is for sure that the repair will cost a lot, but long term rent can be given to those persons who spend that money to repair them. If Greek Cypriot owners of those buildings come, they can make agreement with the Foundations Administration because all of the buildings were built on the lands of the Foundations. An agreement can be made with the Foundations, the right of the latter will be protected and a solution can be found.''
Upon a question, Denktas denied the news claiming that radical cleaning activities started in Maras, adding that ''the region is cleaned from time to time. If this is the case now, it is normal in summer. There is no extraordinary situation.''
Denktas stated that the solution of property would contribute to the solution of Cyprus problem. Upon another question, Denktas stated that the names of those persons who were appointed to the commission which was foreseen to be founded to find a solution to Greek Cypriot properties in the north of the island through compensation or barter could be announced the same day.
(Öª-AÖ) 23.07.2003