Ilkin: Whether Cyprus Process Will Progress Depends On Greek Cypriot Side's Answer To Annan

NEW YORK - Baki Ilkin, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), said on Saturday that whether Cyprus process would progress or not depended on Greek Cypriot side's answer to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
     Briefing the reporters, Ilkin noted that there was not any new development on Cyprus issue in the United Nations.
     ''UN Secretary General Annan has a clear demand. Secretary General said that if Greek Cypriot side explains clearly in a written statement provisions of the Annan plan on which the side has concerns, he would examine these objections. He said that otherwise he would not deal with them. Everyone waits for the answer of Greek Cypriot side currently,'' Ilkin said.
     Stating that Greek Cyrpiot side's basic problem stemmed from the philosophy and basic parameters of Annan plan, Ilkin said, ''Greek Cypriot side thinks that it was the only government of the island and expects Turkish Cypriots to be included in itself as a society or minority. It is the solution for Greek Cypriots. Turkish Cypriot side wants a solution based on a political equality.''
     Ilkin indicated that it was difficult to put into action the Annan plan, stating that Turkish side supported the plan, since it was based on partnership. Ilkin noted that Greek Cypriot side rejected the plan for the same reason.
    
     -ERDOGAN-ANNAN MEETING-
    
     Replying to a question, Ilkin said that if Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's schedule of his visit to the United States became definite and the date of his visit was to be appropriate for Annan's program, Erdogan and Annan could have a meeting. Ilkin said that both sides wanted to have a meeting.
    
     -UN INTERFERES IN IRAQ MORE-
    
     Stating that they were following closely developments in Iraq, Ilkin said that UN has started to interfere in developments in Iraq more. Ilkin indicated that the constitution of Iraq would be put to the referendum and then according to the new constitution, new elections would be held in Iraq.
     Ilkin noted that results of elections held in Iraq on January 30th encouraged UN to interfere in developments in Iraq more.
    
     -DERVIS'S ELECTION AS UNDP ADMINISTRATOR-
    
     Stating that Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Kemal Dervis was elected as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Administrator and it was a great prestige for Turkey, Ilkin said that Dervis would visit New York at the beginning of next month and hold talks there for 10 days.
     Ilkin said that Dervis was elected to the position due to his talent and experiences.
    
2005-05-07