LEFKOSA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Saturday that they were trying for a permanent solution to Cyprus issue with good will.
Gul and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President held a joint press conference following the luncheon hosted in honor of Gul by Denktas.
Foreign Minister Gul said that peace to be found should satisfy both sides, accepted by both sides and overcome concerns of Turkish side.
Underlining that the proposals that Denktas made to the Greek Cypriot side were very important, Gul said, ''I believe that they have to be taken seriously. It is a proposal which enables re-settlement of around 30 thousand people. It is also a proposal which will revive trade, increase mutual confidence and revive reciprocal relations. Therefore, we think that it will give an opportunity to more comprehensive peace talks. We think that all these should be taken into consideration and at least, we think that all these show good will. I hope that all these will be taken into consideration.''
Gul noted that they were experiencing a problematic period and everybody wished that the problems would be solved.
They were sincerely exerting efforts to ensure a permanent solution to Cyprus issue, Gul said.
Gul stated that a solution should satisfy both sides in order not to face problems similar to those experienced in the past, stating that the package which TRNC President Rauf Denktas proposed to Greek Cypriot side within this scope, should be taken into consideration.
Pointing out that Denktas's proposals would be elements of confidence building measures within a narrow scope solution, Gul said Turkey exerted sincere efforts to bring a lasting solution to the island.
Gul said everybody should do his best, noting that nobody could lead anywhere with unilateral accusations.
Gul said, ''accusing Denktas has became as if a customs for some people. This should be given up. They should think calmly and objectively. Everybody should take lesson from those happening in the world. We should remember those which happened on Cyprus before. To this end, I think, we should exert efforts to find a solution in a way that the sides would not meet such problems again.''
Gul stated that enlivening of TRNC economy was very important, and noted that everybody would do his best in this respect.
Gul said Turkish people backed rightful Cyprus cause, noting that, ''this is not only the problem of Turkish Cypriots, but the case of all of us.''
DENKTAS: WE HAVE DISCUSSED WITH MR. GUL FACTS OF CYPRUS QUESTION
Denktas said they discussed new economic facilities they would present to Turkish Cypriot people, and the aid which Turkey could expend in this respect.
Recalling that Gul had been interested in Cyprus issue in the past period, Denktas said he thanked to Gul and his team on behalf of Turkish Cypriot people.
When a journalist recalled that Greek Cypriot side took economic and social ''measures'' toward Turkish Cypriots and that they planned to announce them before April 16, and asked what kind of measures were taken against this, Denktas said, ''we have disclosed our measures. We are waiting for a realistic and friendly response''.
A journalist said, ''Denktas says 'Annan plan died' and you say 'studies on Annan plan continue' Is there any difference of opinion?'' Foreign Minister Gul said they exerted efforts for a good-will solution.
Gul said the Island could not any more endure what had earlier been experienced on the island, stating that they have concerns in this respect.
Gul said that TRNC was a democratic structure and that there could be different views, understandings and models in that democratic structure.
''But, we should not forget that we all should be in unity and solidarity. We should be in solidarity and this will make our future more brilliant,'' Gul said.
When he was reminded about the protest of a group opposing Denktas when they were making a statement, Gul said that everybody could tell his view freely but in the end, everybody had to obey the decisions taken altogether.
Replying to a question, Denktas said that no response had come from Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos to his second letter yet.
Asked if he had a strategy for April 17 if a compromise was not reached before April 16, when the accession accord of the Greek Cypriot administration was signed, Denktas said, ''there is nothing that can change in the level of Cyprus. Two states will continue as they have done so far. But, by looking at the decisions to be taken, we will take necessary measures. But, it is inappropriate to make propagandas by saying that 'world will change, Cyprus will change, everything will change and we will be destroyed on April 17.' We have a big conflict with our neighbor. We have exerted great efforts with good will to settle this conflict. The real reason for not settling the conflict is the belief of the Greek Cypriot side that it can rule whole of Cyprus. As long as they are told 'you are the government of republic of Cyprus' and as long as this belief continues, naturally they don't feel the need to set up a new partnership with us.''
The foreign circles who caused this impression in the Greek Cypriot side should also have a new point of view, Denktas noted.
Denktas said, ''I hope our guarantor states can find a new point of view during their meetings.''
He would go to Turkey before April 16 to give conferences not to hold contacts, Denktas added.
Following the joint press conference, Gul met with representatives of non-governmental organizations in Turkey's Embassy in Lefkosa.
Gul held separate meetings with the organizations supporting and opposing to Annan's plan.

(AY-BRC) 05.04.2003