LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas said on Tuesday that Turkish Cypriots were aware of intrigues made by Annan plan and expressed pleasure with it.
Prior to his departure for Istanbul as the guest of Yeditepe University, Denktas told reporters that Turkish Cypriot people priorly wanted life and property security and did not want to live under sovereignty of Greek Cypriots.
Therefore, bi-zonal structure was accepted, Denktas said.
Denktas noted that Annan plan ended that and it had a wrong philosophy.
Turkish Cypriot people could ensure life security after they were separated from the Greek Cypriots in 1974, Denktas stated.
Denktas said, ''this is the basis of any agreement. Therefore, principle of existence of two states is important and vital. We have seen agreements on paper. What has happened? We are dealing with the issue for 40 years.''
Noting that issue of property had vital importance, Denktas said that they had made a call to the Greek Cypriots for years for solution of the issue.
Denktas added, ''they haven't come for a solution because they want to take back everything. They don't take into consideration properties we left in the south and the bi-zonal structure agreement. Everything has become more complicated with Annan plan which was put forth suddenly. I am pleased that our people are aware of the intrigues and see the stage that this plan can bring us.''
TRNC President Denktas will give a conference in Yeditepe University and receive the ''Diplomacy Award of the Year'' to be presented by Istanbul Press Union on Wednesday.
Denktas, who will attend programs of some television channels in Istanbul, will return to TRNC on November 20.
(BRC) 18.11.2003