ANKARA - President Rauf Denktas of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will address the Turkish parliament. Sources told the A.A correspondent on Monday that Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc had invited President Denktas to address the parliament on Thursday. After several non-governmental organizations and political parties invited President Denktas to address their general assemblies, Arinc telephoned President Denktas and informed him on the parliamentary by-law and the established practices. ''President Denktas' name has an esteem beyond parties and associations. Therefore, his name's being used as a tool of domestic politics will distress us. We think that President Denktas' addressing general assembly of an association or political party will not conform to his esteem. If he wants, President Denktas can address the parliament,'' Arinc said. In response, President Denktas said that he wanted to deliver a final speech at the Turkish parliament about the Cyprus issue. ''This may mean a farewell speech. I want to explain my views and inform Turkish parliamentarians for the last time,'' President Denktas added.

(UK-AY) 12.04.2004