ANKARA - U.S. State Department`s Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston defended on Friday that Annan plan was the only realistic alternative for solution of Cyprus question before May 1, 2004.
Speaking to SKY Turk television, Weston said he thought Annan plan was the only realistic plan for solution of Cyprus question, stressing that the sides should focus on Annan plan if they want to enter European Union as a whole before this date. He said talks and negotiations could continue, the sides could express their objections, and then the sides could resort to referendum.
Reiterating view of the United States that negotiations should start by taking Annan plan as basis, Weston stressed the importance of contribution of the sides in the island to the solution.
Weston said it was possible to reach a solution before May 2004 by taking Annan plan as reference, noting that there was necessary time for this.
When Weston was reminded his statements that he was confused about what would happen in TRNC in the coming period, he said he meant the situation after elections in TRNC. Weston said nobody expected the elections to result with distribution of equal number of chairs, stressing that a new election would take place if a government could not be set up, and this was what he meant by saying confusion.
Replying to a question what kind of steps would be taken for solution of the problem, Weston said it should first of all start with Annan plan. Both sides have problems on this issue and this is natural, he said.
Weston said solution of the problem was to start negotiations and be in an effort to create necessary atmosphere for compromise, stating that they should be sure if basic problems were asked to Cypriot people.
Pointing out that his talks in Foreign Ministry were productive, Weston said Turkey and the United States have similar views on solution of Cyprus question soon and its methods.
When asked whether or not TRNC President Rauf Denktas should continue his mission as negotiator after formation of government in TRNC, Weston stressed that this was a decision that should be taken by the Turkish side.
(AY-AÖ) 20.12.2003