IZMIR - Serdar Denktas, the TRNC Minister of Tourism and Environment said late Thursday that 62 percent of Turkish Cypriots say 'no', while 32 percent of them say 'yes' to adoption of Annan plan in its existing form.
Speaking in a meeting in Izmir, Denktas said that the plan submitted by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan can't be accepted with its existing form.
''those who support views of TRNC President Rauf Denktas since 1974 are 65-70 percent, while those who don't support Denktas are 30-35 percent. This balance has not changed. Yet 80 percent of the people demand opening of a new page to save themselves from the existing uncertainity and to continue having better relations with Turkey,'' he said.
Serdar Denktas said that the acception of the Annan plan in its existing form will cause big problems between the two communities, adding that the issue of division of property is very sensitive.
''Our citizen who left his property in the south now stays in houses of Greek origin for 28 years. His/her children and grandchildren born in these houses. Now it is said that 'the title deeds given by the Turkish Cypriot government are not valid, they are properties of Greek Cypriots.' These properties will change their owners one by one by barter...Besides the territory is very important for us...'' he said.
When asked if TRNC President Rauf Denktas's saying he would not sign the plan if Turkish Cypriots say 'yes' to Annan plan in its existing form in a referendum, as a sign of resignation, TRNC Tourism and Environment Minister Denktas said ''people will not say 'yes' to it with its existing form. Our President will continue his attitude as a negotiator. This is not sign of resignation.''