Baykal: Cyprus Is On The Eve Of Important Developments

ANKARA - Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said on Friday that Cyprus was on the eve of important developments.
Baykal made a statement to journalists at Ankara's Esenboga Airport before leaving for TRNC to participate in the 20th anniversary of foundation of TRNC.
Baykal said, ''Cyprus is on the eve of important developments. I think that it would be beneficial to learn the latest point reached on the issue from TRNC President Rauf Denktas and TRNC officials.''
When a journalist said, ''discussions are underway whether or not Turkey would launch a new initiative on Cyprus question. Do you think that a new initiative is needed?'' Baykal said, ''new initiatives are always needed. Mr. Denktas has launched many good will initiatives so far basing on two separate political structures and which show that the two sides can live together.''
Baykal said they would welcome and support the initiatives that would be launched to show that all the people in Cyprus can live in peace and cooperation.
Baykal stressed that the fact that there were two separate communities and two separate regions in Cyprus should not be disregarded.
When Baykal was reminded that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan would have meetings with leaders of opposition parties in the TRNC, he said he would abide by the official program and that he did not plan separate meetings.
(AY) 14.11.2003