Denktash Offers Six Point Plan To Kickstart Cyprus Talks

by Lorys Charalambous, Tax-News.com, Cyprus

04 April 2003

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has tabled a six point plan of action in order to get the reunification process back on track.

Denktash was heavily criticised last month for refusing to accept the UN-sponsored reunification plan on the grounds that he objected to the simultaneous holding of referenda in both communities of the Island.

According to the Financial Mirror, whilst Denktash admitted that his proposals did not amount to a comprehensive settlement, he said they would provide a solid foundation for such an agreement in the future.

Among the elements contained in the six point plan is the ceding of territory to the Greek side, including land in the UN buffer zone and the fenced area of Varosha in Famagusta. This would run in parallel with the lifting of restrictions on overseas trade, transport, travel and cultural and sporting activities. Denktash also suggested lifting the restrictions which currently apply to the movements of tourists. The UN and the EU would be invited to facilitate and oversee this process, Denktash announced.

Additionally, the Turkish Cypriot leader proposed a 'bilateral reconciliation committee', which he said would be given the objective of "promoting understanding, tolerance and mutual respect between the two parties."

However, Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos was seemingly unconvinced. In a reply to the Turkish leader, he pointed to the UN Secretary General's plan as the best way forward towards a settlement, and said that all future negotiations should proceed on that basis. However, the President assured Denktash that despite the earlier setback to the reunification plan, every effort is being made on the Greek side to find a way to take the process forward.

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