Denktas: We Envisage A Government To Be Formed By All Four Parties At The Parliament

LEFKOSA - President Rauf Denktas of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has said, ''we envisage a broad-based government to be formed by all four political parties having seats at the parliament. Turkey has also proposed it. I hope the political parties will succeed in forming such a government.''
Addressing journalists following his meetings with leaders of the four political parties which got seats at the parliament following the parliamentary elections on December 14, 2003, President Denktas said, ''after the meetings with leaders of the political parties, I have designated Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Mehmet Ali Talat to form the new government as a result of great understanding of all political parties.''
''Now, a government should be formed or the duty of forming the new government should be returned within the next 15 days. Let's hope for the best,'' he said and thanked all political parties for their good intention.
Upon a question, President Denktas said, ''we envisage a broad-based government to be formed by all four political parties having seats at the government. I think that Turkey also wants such a government. We have been living through a very sensitive period. No one should stay outside and accuse the others. Instead, they should say, 'we did it as our people want. We did the rightful thing'. Therefore, they should agree in the principle. Of course, they cannot accept anything put forward in front of them. All of them have their own views. As I said before, if all four political parties can come together, it will be beneficial for us. Turkey has also proposed it. I hope the political parties will succeed in forming such a government. Results of the elections have revealed that our people expected them to do it.''
Upon a question in regard to the visit to be paid to Ankara, Denktas said that meeting on ambassadors level in Ankara was completed and the result of the meeting would be brought to government and when the government approved it, it would be brought to state level. He added that activities were continuing and he thought that a meeting would be held within 5-10 days.
When recalled that National Unity Party (UBP) leader and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu had stated that he would not participate in a government to be headed by Talat and whether this issue was discussed today, Denktas said that he could not make an interpretation on this issue and added that parties would take a decision by holding meetings among themselves.
Denktas said that the important thing was to reach the necessary number and to form the government, adding that everybody should act in harmony.
When asked whether the plan which Ankara was preparing was indexed on Annan Plan, Denktas said that Ankara was continuing its efforts in regard to Cyprus issue and he could not make any interpretation beforehand.
(UK-GC-AÖ) 29.12.2003