LEFKOSA - TRNC President Rauf Denktas said on Monday that it was essential to sort out Cyprus problem, adding that ''but there is no view of giving up Cyprus in order to sort it out.''
Denktas, who met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Sunday, returned to TRNC.
Speaking at the airport, Denktas said that they took up developments about Cyprus issue in his meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan, stressing that there was no difference of opinion between the Turkish government and himself.
Noting that Turkey carried out a study about Cyprus issue, Denktas said that ''therefore sorting out the Cyprus problem is the main thing, but there is no view of giving up Cyprus in order to sort it out. It is a national and common cause and efforts are launched and will be launched to make a rational agreement which will take into consideration the interests of both sides.''
Denktas said that Erdogan would go to U.S. after discussion of studies on Cyprus issue at the National Security Council and after forming a framework on the issue, adding that ''therefore we hope that Turkish Cypriot people will walk on the path wanted.''
Expressing his wish for the newly formed CTP-DP government to be beneficial for TRNC, Denktas said that much efforts were exerted for formation of a broader-based government and asked opposition parties to support him and the government.
Wishing success to the new government, TRNC President Denktas said that he didn't see the protocol of the government and the names in the cabinet list, adding he didn't think a problem would come out about those issues.
(Öª-AY) 12.01.2004