LEFKOSA - TRNC President Rauf Denktas said on Wednesday that the views and proposals he wrote in the letter for Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos constituted an integrated whole, adding that the proposals could act as a catalyst for the realization of a mutually acceptable comprehensive settlement.
Speaking in a news conference, Denktas said that ''the implementation of this package of proposals will greatly enhance the prospect of a mutually acceptable comprehensive settlement based on the political equality of the two sides and it will also bring significant tangible benefits to both parties.''
''It is understood that the acceptance and implementation of the package will neither prejudice the respective positions of the two sides, nor will it be a substitute to a final settlement. I am also prepared to discuss with the Greek Cypriot side the subject as to how we could benefit from the assistance of the U.N. and the EU in the implementation of the proposed ideas and package. In the context of the above, I have also informed Mr. Papadopoulos that I am ready to talk with him the core issues of a comprehensive settlement, and matters related to EU membership, with the objective of reaching a mutually satisfactory conclusion. Since both sides support the good-offices mission, I have also written to the U.N. Secretary General about my ideas and suggestions.''
Responding to questions of journalists, Denktas said that Turkey also supported the suggestions he presented to the Greek Cypriot side.
Denktas said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul had to go to Brussels for a more important issue and he postponed his visit to TRNC, adding that ''he will come to TRNC whenever he returns from Brussels.''
Upon a question, Denktas said that he expected Papadopoulos to give an answer about his suggestions until April 16, by when the Greek Cypriot side would sign membership document with the EU, adding that yet April 16 was not the last date for Papadopoulos to give answer to the proposals. Denktas said that if the Greek Cypriot side was accepted to EU membership on April 16, they would review their positions again.
Denktas said that if a positive answer was given to his proposals, the doors of dialogue would be opened. Stressing that the realities in Cyprus had to be taken into consideration in solution efforts, Denktas said that the good-offices mission of U.N. Secretary General continued.
Greek Cypriot journalists also covered the news conference of Denktas.
(Öª-AÖ) 02.04.2003