Third Round Of Cyprus Talks To Start Tomorrow

LEFKOSA(A.A) - 08.04.2002 - The third round of direct talks which started as a result of initiatives of President Rauf Denktas of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus question, will begin on Tuesday.
In the first two rounds of the direct talks that have been under way at the buffer zone between President Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides since January 16, 2002, the sides exchanged views on the issues of authorities and functions of central government in the new partnership to be founded on the island, constitution, sovereignty, security, immigrants and properties.
In the third round of direct talks, comprehensive issues will be taken up.
Because of President Denktas' tour to abroad, the third round of direct talks will be recessed between April 12 and 25.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro De Soto also attends the direct talks as observer.

PRESIDENT DENKTAS RECEIVES DE SOTO
Denktas received United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro De Soto who has been attending the direct talks as observer.
When asked by journalists before the meeting whether De Soto put forward a new proposal, President Denktas said, ''no, he did not put forward any new proposal. De Soto has been helping us in negotiation process so far. He will continue to do so in the future.''
Meanwhile, De Soto refrained from responding questions of journalists.