Changing Trains

Greek Cypriot Press Summary: April 13

*AKEL's Central Committee concluded on Saturday with a proposal asking for a postponement of the referenda, and warning that otherwise the party's position to the Annan plan would have to be a "no". AKEL's proposal, which will be presented for voting at the party's Conference on 14 April, says that the proposal is made, taking into serious account the feelings of insecurity that possess the majority of the GCs, and the fact that in the recent period the Annan plan was presented with a stress on its negative elements while its positive elements were under-graded. AKEL's Central Committee however expresses disagreement with the President's evaluation that the plan "does not do away with the de facto partition but on the contrary legitimises and deepens it". It evaluates however that the situation created in the internal scene leads to the rejection of the plan, even as a basis for negotiation, fortifies nationalism and chauvinism and lessens the possibilities of improvement, mainly on the issues that concern security and the certainty of its implementation. AKEL therefore calls the UN and the international community to postpone the referenda for a few months, in order to have the opportunity to present the plan objectively to the people, and to give the possibility to negotiate in order to cover the existing blanks and make its adoption by the majority of the people possible. AKEL's proposal adds that in the contrary case AKEL will be obliged not to support the adoption of the plan in the referendum. (all papers)

*At a press conference, AKEL's General Secretary D Christofias said that the UN must consider very seriously whether they indeed want the settlement of the Cyprus problem with a "yes" vote from both GCs and TCs. "We are not talking of a new Plan, but some necessary improvements, and through this position, we are trying to avert a failure

*Christofias and AKEL's leadership will today meet with Mehmet Ali Talat and CTP's leadership.

*In response to AKEL's decision, DESY leader Anastassiades said yesterday that if AKEL has explored the possibility of a postponement of the referenda, and if there is fertile ground for the acceptance of this proposal, then DESY will also work in that direction. If, however, the suggestion can not be accepted, then it would be more honest if AKEL had said "no" from the beginning. Anastassiades called on members and supporters of DESY to stay calm and to trust the leadership of the party, as a joint decision will be taken at the party's conference on 15 April. He went on to say that political leaderships must realise that decisions taken on the basis of the feelings of public anger or nationalist emotions, are not by rule the wisest, and may be tragically mistaken, if the feelings of the public are aroused by misinformation which political leaderships offer. Anastassiades announced an initiative for contacts with foreign Ambassadors and others in Nicosia.

*Anastassiades will also meet with Mehmet Ali Talat today.

*Papers report that both AKEL and DESY are facing division within their ranks. ALI's lead story reports that AKEL's Central Committee decision met with the disagreement of the "best of AKEL", namely Kikis Kazamias, Andreas Christou, Toumazos Tsielepis, Andros Kyprianou, Stavros Evagorou, Takis Hadjigeorgiou and Eleni Mavrou.

*All papers and other media report unconfirmed rumours that Communications Minister Kikis Kazamias has submitted his resignation in view of his disagreement with President Papadopoulos' position on the Annan plan.

*On DESY's court, the party's First Vice-President Lefteris Christoforou yesterday urged his party to also say "no" to the Annan plan. Replying to Christoforou, party leader Anastassiades urged party members to avoid that kind of populism.

*In New York, the UNSG's spokeswoman Marie Occave said yesterday that the referenda will be held as set. She added that the UN takes seriously into consideration AKEL's position, but the representative of the GC side is Papadopoulos, who did not raise a question of postponement. In Washington, State Dept Spokesman Richard Boucher said the fifth revision of the Annan plan is the only and final plan. Washington, he added, believes it is this settlement, or none. Boucher expressed the hope that the leaderships and the Cypriot people will take fully into consideration the serious, historic and irreversible consequences from the loss of this opportunity to achieve a settlement. The US, he said, are prepared to do everything they can, including financial commitment at the donors' conference.

*Most papers report that US President Bush discussed the Cyprus developments with Greek PM Karamanlis in a telephone conversation yesterday. CyNA reports unconfirmed information that the US is promoted a UN Security Council resolution for the adoption of the Annan V Plan, possibly under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. The same sources said that the UNSG has left a window open for further study of the situation while waiting for the completion of the positions of all the political forces in Cyprus and Greece, but the US Govt is resisting the possibility of postponement, (POL, other media)

*PHIL's lead story says the initially negative UN reaction to AKEL's suggestion for a postponement of the referenda has not terminated backstage deliberations aiming to keep open efforts for a Cyprus settlement. According to the paper's information, AKEL and DESY are making parallel moves towards the UN and the EU which aim at securing guarantees on the issue of security, on the withdrawal of occupation troops and on the control of areas marked to come under GC administration.

*The small party of NE.O, as well as DESY MP Prodromos Prodromou yesterday expressed opposition to the prospect of security postponement of the referenda.

*All papers pick up statements made by Mehmet Ali Talat, and Turkish FM Gul, expressing opposition to a postponement of the referenda.

*Papers also pick up the statements of Serdar Denktash who agrees with the postponement, as well as reports of the TC media about "secret" discussions between Serdar and Papadopoulos and AKEL about the possibility of postponing the referenda.

*All media also pick up the quarrel between Erdogan and Rauf Denktash, as well as Turkish Parliament Speaker Arinc's invitation to Rauf Denktash to speak at the Turkish Assembly.

*Mehmet Ali Talat conveyed to the UN the list of the 45,000 Turkish settlers, who, according to the UN plan, are to stay on the island after a settlement. Papers and other media note Talat's statement that the list is the result of very careful work, but will not be released because it may easily become the object of exploitation of the GC side. Only four people have knowledge of its content, Talat added.

*The House of Reps will convene today to vote on the bill for the referendum. Papers note that the bill takes the form of a motion tabled by all the political parties (rather than a government draft law).

*SIM picks up an article by Cypriot scientist Dr Doros Andreou, which was published in the newspaper "New Europe", and which claims that the British Govt is misleading about the Akrotiri antennas. The article claims that a classified UK document stated that both the Akrotiri antennas would operate simultaneously, subjecting the whole of Limassol to huge radiation that is extremely dangerous and unprecedented in the world.

Turkish Press Summary: April 13

*Most papers today report of the planned protest rally tomorrow at the Inonu Square, which is being organised by This Country is Ours Platform. There will also be a general strike due to the protest rally.

*Denktash yesterday speaking on a TV programme defended himself against Erdogan's criticisms by saying that the Turkish government was not fully informed about the details and the implications of the plan. Denktash claimed that Erdogan and the government had not been provided with complete information and that Erdogan was tricked or deceived on the Cyprus matter. Pointing out that as soon as they came to power, the government in Ankara put the blame on him for the lack of Cyprus solution and remarked that there was a diversion from the previously outlined national policy. In reply to Serdar's position, Denktash replied that Serdar was a solid child and would not embark on such an adventure.

*Erdogan, who is in Japan on an official visit, assessed the referendum and Denktash's position. Replying to Denktash's statements, Erdogan said that these were ugly assumptions.

*The list of the names of approximately forty-one thousand Turkish origin TRNC citizens has been presented to the UN, as envisaged in the Annan Plan. Speaking to the BRT, PM Mehmet Ali Talat said the list, which was conveyed to the United Nations at ten o'clock the night before, was the outcome of a meticulous work. Responding to questions later, Talat said he couldn't announce the names included, because he did not want to lead to speculation. He said that the lists were not 'hidden' and people who were made citizens following 1974 were not left out of the list either. Answering claims by Eroglu that the names on the list extended to as many as 90,000 people and that Talat's lists were incomplete, Talat replied that Eroglu did not know how to count or calculate.

*Responses are still coming in following the call of the GC political party AKEL for the referenda to be postponed. In a written statement issued today, the UBP states that all GC parties are the same and that AKEL's decision shows that this party does not want to be disloyal to ENOSIS. BDH leader Akinci said that AKEL's decision to bow out of the referendum was like the life jacket Denktash had been waiting for. Speaking on a news programme yesterday, Akinci indicated that it was not enough for just the TC's to say yes in the referendum and added that AKEL's response had been a surprise. Akinci underlined that whatever the response of the GC's, the TC's needed to vote yes in the referendum. Akinci noted that if a no vote comes from the south, then the TC's would have to struggle on May 2nd to gain the rights they lost due to the GC's.

*Papers are reporting that following the AKEL party announcement Washington is making moves for Cyprus. If a no vote comes from the south, many experts in Washington are considering the Taiwan model for the north and are suggesting that Turkey make the necessary moves. Washington observers are looking at the prospect of a no vote from the south as a definite move and noted that the north's future will be undetermined. Sources close to the Turkish side are suggesting that Turkey make moves to the US if the referendum is unsuccessful in the south, thus comes the Taiwan model.

*It is reported that Talat will visit AKEL and DISI today. Papers say that he will visit AKEL at 10.00am followed by DISI at 12.00pm. AKEL and DISI are expected to announce their positions on the Annan plan during the week.

*Denktash has been invited to speak at the Turkish Parliament. Speaker of the House Bulent Arinch has invited Denktash to address the assembly session in parliament on April 15th, although the papers say the date is not clear. Arinch stated that it would be better for him to speak there instead of speaking at associations as he was above such places. Arinch said that they would prefer if Denktash did not make Turkey a side in the matter. Media are reporting the news as the fact that the speech could be Denktash's farewell speech, as Denktash told Arinch that he wanted to speak at the Assembly one last time. Denktash announced that he would be announcing his position on the referendum law within the next couple of days.

*Speaking on BRT, he indicated that he had not signed the law as yet and had conferred with the Attorney General Akin Sait yesterday morning. No official statement was made afterwards.

*Papers pick up reports of resignations from the AKEL party. GC Transport minister Kazamias has officially resigned from his post and it is expected that Interior minister Christou may submit his resignation following AKEL's congress tomorrow.

*UN Special representative De Soto has said that they are not considering postponement of the referendum as yet. De Soto said that if a proposal comes from Denktash and Papadopoulos, the UN might evaluate it.

*Papers and other media report that the results from the DP mini referendum indicate a 64% against as opposed to 36% for. From the 6,000 members, only 2,600 voted. Serdar repeated that the party would be making their official position known on Friday 16th. Serdar said that they felt a huge responsibility at the present time and repeated that their decision would be greatly affected by the GC's positions and Denktash's views and suggestions.

*CTP leader and PM Talat yesterday received the BHC Lyn Parker and US Ambassador Klosson separately.
No statements were made after the meeting at the CTP HQ. Talat in a statement to CNBC-e channel has said that Serdar's decision on the referendum was quite important from the viewpoint of the continuation of the government. He expressed the belief that Serdar would not say no, as otherwise a division might be experience in the government. Talat added that he did not believe Serdar would throw away a product to which he personally contributed. Saying that he did not believe there would be a crack in the government, Talat said that this campaign would only continue until April 24th. Government activities have been pending and might be suspended but he did not see a need to dissolve the government.

*US Foreign Secretary has announced that there was no alternative plan to the Annan plan in Cyprus and Cypriots were facing a historic decision. FS Spokesman Richard Boucher has repeated US support for the referendum. Boucher said that there would either be a solution or not as no other alternative to this existed. He said that the US would be making a sizeable contribution at the Donor's Conference in Brussels and was prepared to help in anyway. Turkey will be sending their Minister of State Shener and Finance minister Babacan to the Donor's conference in Brussels.

*Talat is leaving for Istanbul this evening then on to Brussels tomorrow.

*Independent Republican Party head and Denktash's advisor Mumtaz Soysal has begun a 'No' in the referendum campaign.

Turkish Press Summary: April 12

*Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday called on the TC leader Denktash to refrain from trying to enlist the support of mainland Turks against the proposed reunification of the two states on the island. Speaking to journalists while flying to Japan, Erdogan said that he was unhappy with the way Denktash was extending his campaign of opposition to the United Nations sponsored referendum on reunification, to be held on April 24, into Turkey.

Erdogan said that Denktash was trying to whip up support during meetings with Turkish nationalist groups and called on him to say what he had to say in Cyprus. Erdogan said that he was watching, unfortunately with regret, the meetings that Denktash was holding together with some marginal groups in Turkey and added that he had informed him of this.

Erdogan also slammed critics of the plan, claiming that most had not even read part of the 9,000 pages of the plan. He explained that the government has clearly outlined every step it has taken in the negotiations to discuss the reunification process and has worked at all times for the benefit of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Erdogan repeated that although there has been a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is not recognised by any country except Turkey, there will be two constituent states after an agreement is reached. Should either the TC or GC people fail to approve the reunification of the two states on the island in the April 24 referendum Turkish troops would remain in the north, said Erdogan.

*DP leader and DPM Serdar Denktash strongly protested Erdogan's statements against Denktash and warned for him to 'watch his words'. Serdar said that Erdogan's statements against Denktash were unacceptably rude and Erdogan needed to watch what he said from now on. He repeated that the DP would be announcing their position in the referendum on April 16th and added that Denktash's suggestions and Papadopoulos's position would play an important role in this. Stressing that being Denktash's son is a different matter and noting that they hold different views from time to time, Serdar said that president Denktash is the living representative of the struggle the TC wage and asserted that they are hurt by the regrettable statements against him.

Commenting on the speculation in the press that he had been secretly meeting with Papadopoulos, Serdar denied the news. He also stated that he found AKEL's announcement to be the right decision but indicated that the referendum date did not seem likely to change.

*FM Gul indicating the importance that the referendum must be carried out before May 1st, he said that the accession of the GC side alone to the EU will block everything. Speaking at a joint press conference with the Lebanese FM, he answered questions on the AKEL party's announcement with regards to the postponement of the referendum.

*Papers report reactions to the AKEL announcement to postpone the referendum otherwise they will vote no. The CTP-UF Central Administrative Council has called on the GC public to take note of their responsibilities and act with decisiveness by voting yes in the referendum. They repeated that the postponement was unacceptable. The party said that they supported the decision they took at their general congress. The papers report the written announcement by the party. The BDH leader Akinci said that AKEL's decision had put status quo supporter's minds at rest. He said that the party's announcement had disappointed those who looked to peace and a united island in the EU. Akinci said that Denktash had given the GC's what they wanted in Copenhagen and was now working in co-operation with Papadopoulos to realise his choice of non-solution and AKEL had also become part of the agreement. KIBRIS newspaper reports that many citizens called the paper to say that AKEL's announcement fell contrary to their historical mission and asked if they had noticed that their decision would divide the island for good.

*KIBRIS editor Basharan Duzgun in his column today says that following the claims that Serdar Denktash had secretly met with Papadopoulos and AKEL, the UN officials have met with Talat both on Saturday evening and Sunday night. Duzgun reports that the UN asked Talat what his views were on the matter to which Talat replied that they were wholly against the idea of postponing the referendum.

ANKARA'S REACTION
Duzgun reports that the report of the secret meetings also stirred up Ankara. The government wing held meetings and gathered information all weekend. Political circles report that FM Gul called firstly Talat and then Serdar and told them that Ankara was strongly against the postponement of the referendum. A top level FM official said that they believed the postponement subject had ended in Burgenstock and noted that there had been three meetings in Nicosia (not two as Duzgun had originally reported) and commented that Serdar had informed Talat of the meetings.

AKEL'S DECISION
Again in his column, Duzgun gives way to a report by RADIKAL newspaper journalist Erdal Guven who writes that in an evaluation meeting of the during the week, AKEL's 18 member politburo agreed with 10 yes, 4 against and 3 abstaining votes to call on the public to vote 'yes' in the referendum. Party leader Christofias did not vote. It was expected that the same decision would be made in the party's 100 member Central Committee as so far decisions take in the politburo would not be refused in the committee. However as could be seen, 66 voted for the first time to vote no in the referendum unless it was postponed.

Duzgun says that the Central Committee did not authorise the decision by the politburo because they were told that the possibility that the referendum would be postponed was high. A TC political expert said that the decision by AKEL has dynamited all relations with the TC's.

*Speaking during a reception at the Eastern Mediterranean University yesterday, Talat said the 24th of April was an important and historic event adding that a 'yes' in Cyprus would result in the integration of the two sides with the world. He said it was inevitable to make intense efforts to explain the realities to the people and pointed out that the TC's had to be alert.

*KIBRISLI newspaper reports of opinion poll undertaken by NOKTA magazine in Cyprus, which shows that 63% of the public will vote yes in the referendum. It is reported that NOKTA has conducted the first reliable opinion poll together with E-KART Consulting and Data Marketing Company. The pollsters interviewed 1,003 TC's in the five regions during the period of 2-4 April. The poll showed that 63% were planning to say yes to the plan as compared to 19.9% who opposed it. At least 17.1% of the respondents were undecided.

Turkish Press Summary: April 12

*Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday called on the TC leader Denktash to refrain from trying to enlist the support of mainland Turks against the proposed reunification of the two states on the island. Speaking to journalists while flying to Japan, Erdogan said that he was unhappy with the way Denktash was extending his campaign of opposition to the United Nations sponsored referendum on reunification, to be held on April 24, into Turkey.

Erdogan said that Denktash was trying to whip up support during meetings with Turkish nationalist groups and called on him to say what he had to say in Cyprus. Erdogan said that he was watching, unfortunately with regret, the meetings that Denktash was holding together with some marginal groups in Turkey and added that he had informed him of this.

Erdogan also slammed critics of the plan, claiming that most had not even read part of the 9,000 pages of the plan. He explained that the government has clearly outlined every step it has taken in the negotiations to discuss the reunification process and has worked at all times for the benefit of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Erdogan repeated that although there has been a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is not recognised by any country except Turkey, there will be two constituent states after an agreement is reached. Should either the TC or GC people fail to approve the reunification of the two states on the island in the April 24 referendum Turkish troops would remain in the north, said Erdogan.

*DP leader and DPM Serdar Denktash strongly protested Erdogan's statements against Denktash and warned for him to 'watch his words'. Serdar said that Erdogan's statements against Denktash were unacceptably rude and Erdogan needed to watch what he said from now on. He repeated that the DP would be announcing their position in the referendum on April 16th and added that Denktash's suggestions and Papadopoulos's position would play an important role in this.

Stressing that being Denktash's son is a different matter and noting that they hold different views from time to time, Serdar said that president Denktash is the living representative of the struggle the TC wage and asserted that they are hurt by the regrettable statements against him. Commenting on the speculation in the press that he had been secretly meeting with Papadopoulos, Serdar denied the news. He also stated that he found AKEL's announcement to be the right decision but indicated that the referendum date did not seem likely to change.

*FM Gul indicating the importance that the referendum must be carried out before May 1st, he said that the accession of the GC side alone to the EU will block everything. Speaking at a joint press conference with the Lebanese FM, he answered questions on the AKEL party's announcement with regards to the postponement of the referendum.

*Papers report reactions to the AKEL announcement to postpone the referendum otherwise they will vote no. The CTP-UF Central Administrative Council has called on the GC public to take note of their responsibilities and act with decisiveness by voting yes in the referendum. They repeated that the postponement was unacceptable. The party said that they supported the decision they took at their general congress. The papers report the written announcement by the party.

The BDH leader Akinci said that AKEL's decision had put status quo supporter's minds at rest. He said that the party's announcement had disappointed those who looked to peace and a united island in the EU. Akinci said that Denktash had given the GC's what they wanted in Copenhagen and was now working in co-operation with Papadopoulos to realise his choice of non-solution and AKEL had also become part of the agreement.

KIBRIS newspaper reports that many citizens called the paper to say that AKEL's announcement fell contrary to their historical mission and asked if they had noticed that their decision would divide the island for good.

*KIBRIS editor Basharan Duzgun in his column today says that following the claims that Serdar Denktash had secretly met with Papadopoulos and AKEL, the UN officials have met with Talat both on Saturday evening and Sunday night. Duzgun reports that the UN asked Talat what his views were on the matter to which Talat replied that they were wholly against the idea of postponing the referendum.

ANKARA'S REACTION
Duzgun reports that the report of the secret meetings also stirred up Ankara. The government wing held meetings and gathered information all weekend. Political circles report that FM Gul called firstly Talat and then Serdar and told them that Ankara was strongly against the postponement of the referendum. A top level FM official said that they believed the postponement subject had ended in Burgenstock and noted that there had been three meetings in Nicosia (not two as Duzgun had originally reported) and commented that Serdar had informed Talat of the meetings.

AKEL'S DECISION
Again in his column, Duzgun gives way to a report by RADIKAL newspaper journalist Erdal Guven who writes that in an evaluation meeting of the during the week, AKEL's 18 member politburo agreed with 10 yes, 4 against and 3 abstaining votes to call on the public to vote 'yes' in the referendum. Party leader Christofias did not vote. It was expected that the same decision would be made in the party's 100 member Central Committee as so far decisions take in the politburo would not be refused in the committee. However as could be seen, 66 voted for the first time to vote no in the referendum unless it was postponed.

Duzgun says that the Central Committee did not authorise the decision by the politburo because they were told that the possibility that the referendum would be postponed was high. A TC political expert said that the decision by AKEL has dynamited all relations with the TC's.

*Speaking during a reception at the Eastern Mediterranean University yesterday, Talat said the 24th of April was an important and historic event adding that a 'yes' in Cyprus would result in the integration of the two sides with the world. He said it was inevitable to make intense efforts to explain the realities to the people and pointed out that the TC's had to be alert.

*KIBRISLI newspaper reports of opinion poll undertaken by NOKTA magazine in Cyprus, which shows that 63% of the public will vote yes in the referendum. It is reported that NOKTA has conducted the first reliable opinion poll together with E-KART Consulting and Data Marketing Company. The pollsters interviewed 1,003 TC's in the five regions during the period of 2-4 April. The poll showed that 63% were planning to say yes to the plan as compared to 19.9% who opposed it. At least 17.1% of the respondents were undecided.

Turkish Press Summary: April 11

*All papers report the no decision in the referendum by the GC leading party AKEL. Following the two day marathon meeting of the party and in a decision to take a 12 point decision to the congress on April 14th, the AKEL party headed by Christofias yesterday announced their call for the 24th April referendum to be postponed and added that in the event that this is not done, the party will vote no in the referendum.

AKEL have decided to call on the UN and National Security Council members to postpone the referendum a few months in order the public to be enlightened more on the Annan plan. The papers report that this decision by the GC party has brought much disappointment amongst TC's.

According to diplomatic sources, the negative position of the party which will mean a no in the referendum by the GC's, has brought hard criticism by the EU. EU Presidency country Ireland is preparing to invite TC PM Talat to the signature ceremony of the certain membership of the GC side on May 1 2004. It is being claimed that the EU will not allow GC leader Papadopoulos to represent Cyprus alone at the ceremony in the event of non-solution by May 1, thus showing that two separate communities exist on the island.

*TC leader Denktash evaluating the decision said that it was a ploy by the GC's to try and gain more out of a solution. On his return from Istanbul, Denktash said that the British had begun a big propaganda to the GC's by preparing a document of 12 reasons why the GC side should accept the Annan plan. He pointed out that the GC media had also announced that the GC side had got all of what they wanted which means that AKEL is still not satisfied and wants more with their decision to postpone the referendum. On his trip to Istanbul, Denktash explained that he had held very useful contacts mainly on the Annan plan. He went on to say that it was time for the TC public to be made aware of why the plan was unacceptable.

*PM Talat evaluating the decision by AKEL said that the call for postponement of the referendum was unacceptable. Talat said that such a postponement would mean that the GC side would be made an EU member representing the whole island, which would be a danger to TC's rights. He said that he hoped for a meeting with the AKEL representatives in order to see what their intentions were and explain why it was unacceptable to the TC's.

*DP leader and DPM Serdar Denktash in a teleconference of the Young Businessmen's Association in Chukurova in Turkey on the Cyprus problem has said that the Annan plan held many dangerous points such as property and guarantorships. Serdar said that it was for the reason that they wanted the 24 April referendum to be postponed. He explained that they supported the continuation of the negotiations and a smoother transitional period. Serdar underlined the fact that the TC side wanted a solution, but one which would not lead to another war. He indicated that his party did not have a clear position of the referendum.

Bilkent University lecturer Assoc. Prof Hasan Unal who was on the panel of speakers claimed that the Turkish side had not even read the 9,000 page plan and indicated that in the present situation, GC's could politically and economically colonise the TC's. He said that unless they were an EU member, such an agreement should not be made. Unal also said that the Annan plan should be made part of EU primary law.

*The DP party yesterday began a mini referendum to determine what position their party will take for the referendum on the 24th. The papers say that Serdar Denktash is openly calling for the postponement of the referendum, whilst trying to establish his party's position on the matter. Serdar who also voted in the party's ballot said that once the party officials evaluate the results due to end tonight, he will announce the official results on Friday 16th. Indicating that the TC leader Denktash's own personal position affected his position, Serdar said that they did not look at the matter as a father-son perspective and the DP would decide for themselves.

TC leader Rauf Denktash commenting on the DP party's mini referendum said that if his son's party replied positively, then this would be his destruction. However he would not take anyone aside and ask why they maintained this position.

*Papers report that US Special Co-ordinator Tom Weston has said that if GC's reply no in the referendum then they should forget their rights over their properties in the north. Weston in an interview in RADIKAL newspaper is reported to have said that if the TC's reply yes to the referendum as opposed to the negative response from the GC side, then the US and international arena should no longer allow TC's to be punished for results which are not their fault.

Weston said that in the event that GC's reply negatively to the plan, it could also be evaluated that the GC's preferred the presence of a definite border to a solution. Pointing out that the recognition of the north was not thinkable at such a point, the inclusion of the TRNC into international sports, civil aviation and free trade could however become immediate aspects for the TC's.

Weston pointed out that EU officials had informed the UN and US officials that Turkey's EU membership date would not be in danger if the GC side refused the plan. He said that Turkish and TC government had done everything they could to secure a positive result in the referendum and the US and other international powers were working to persuade the GC side. Weston added that they expected Greece to support a yes in the referendum as Turkey had done.

*KIBRIS editor Basharan Duzgun in his column yesterday had reported on information received that Serdar Denktash had secretly met with GC leader Papadopoulos and the AKEL party twice. Duzgun reports that many TC and GC newspapers and media called to find out more with regards to the details. He writes that Serdar crossed to the south firstly on April 3rd and then again on April 5th where he met with Papadopoulos and AKEL leader Christofias. The essence of the meeting was to postpone the referendum.

Duzgun claims that the secret meeting had in fact begun in Burgenstock, where Christofias had told Serdar that they should work to postpone the referendum and continue negotiations in exchange for Cyprus to support Turkey's EU membership in December. He explains that this had caused much argument in Burgenstock amongst the Turkish delegation, especially from FM Gul and Talat. Duzgun says that this suggestion was brought on to Nicosia and Serdar, with Rauf Denktash's approval crossed to the south secretly to meet with the GC's. Duzgun says that the UN met with Talat last night who told them that they were wholly against the suggestion and adds that the UN are now considering ways against the status quo on both sides. He also reports that statements in the press today from the EU show how they will react if such a position is adopted.

*Denktash who was in Istanbul attending a conference of the Turkish World Solidarity Group, said that the Annan plan was carried out in a cunning way and that the TC side was not ready to sign it. He explained that TC's faced difficulties but one did not have give up their state in order to overcome them.

*Turkish Minister of State Abdullatif Shener indicated that the Annan plan incorporated important changes, which answered to some of the Turkish proposals. He said that everyone was in agreement that the problem had to be solved and the much disputed Annan plan was not the same as the one seen 3-5 months ago. Shener added that the acceptance of the Annan plan did not mean that Turkey would automatically be made an EU member.

*Turkish Pm Erdogan speaking at a press conference before departing for an official trip to Japan said that Cyprus was a national cause and invited the public to support the government. Answering questions on Cyprus, Erdogan said that the government spokesman had made the necessary statements on the path they followed for the Cyprus problem, last week. He added that the national cause was not built on non-solution, but on solution and all their efforts were made in this light.

*BDH leader Akinci yesterday received the GC Ecologists and Environmentalists Movement. Akinci speaking before the meeting said that April 24th was not a chance to be missed. Indicating that the BDH had visited the movement a few weeks before Akinci said that it was wrong to think that another good chance would come for a solution after May 1, as there would not be another better alternative than the Annan plan. Yorgo Perdikis, who is the only MP in the movement, said that as a party, they did not believe a solution would come on the basis of the Annan plan and it was through this that they would say no in the referendum. Perdikis stated that the derogations in the plan were unacceptable. However he added that they did not want to postpone a solution and believed that TC's and GC's should work together for an acceptable solution.

*The TKP party deputy Mehmet Davulcu yesterday called for the lifting of the GC passports presentation at the checkpoints. Davulcu indicated that the two communities needed to be united against their leader's positions for the referendum therefore he called on the government to lift the presentation of passports as a jest of goodwill to GC's.

Turkish Press Summary: April 10

*All papers report today that the Constitutional Court has unanimously approved the draft referendum law. The court found that the law did not violate the TRNC constitution. The same decision also states that laws and regulations within the TRNC Constitution permits for a federation to be established through inter-communal negotiations therefore giving way to the establishment of a new state. It is with this permission that negotiations between the two communities have been made, laws supporting these negotiations have been established which have lead to the process in New York and Burgenstock. On answering a question by the press, Chief Justice Taner Erginel indicated that the referendum process had begun.

*Denktash evaluating the decision by the Constitutional court said that there were points on which he needed to be enlightened and asked for the Attorney General's view. Criticising the decision by the judges, Denktash defended that there were several points which had been overlooked. He said that the judges had been affected by the ongoing process and had not taken into account that this process had not been finalised. He went on to say that a bundle of papers which did not recognise TC sovereignty and the presence of the state would be put to the referendum. Denktash said that the decision of the court had reached him late and PM Talat had called and told him that time was running out and would he be signing the law. He said that he informed Talat that he needed to be enlightened on the matter and would be referring it to the Attorney General, who informed him that he would reply to him on Monday. Denktash pointed out that he understood Talat's urgency, but a two day delay would not loose everything and the relevant offices could begin work as if a referendum was going to be made. He said it was not his intention to delay or prevent the referendum - he only wanted to protect himself and his people legally.

*Talat speaking to press during a visit indicated that Denktash had not signed the referendum law yet. He said he had spoken to Denktash who was on his way to the airport to leave for Istanbul, who had told him that he had not yet signed the draft law and would inform him when he would.

*Talat also met with Denktash yesterday morning to discuss the ongoing calendar in the wake of the Annan plan. Speaking to press on his way out, Talat said that there had been a day's delay with the list expected to be given to the UN concerning the 45,000 Turkish rooted TRNC citizens but work was still being carried out on the list. He added that the list may be ready this evening. Talat said that they were also due to inform the UNSG of the names of the Turkish members of the Central Bank. Talat said that they had discussed many aspects with Denktash and he had informed him of the visit he was due to make to the south today. On the decision of the DP on the referendum law, Talat said that he hoped they would not respond negatively, but added that he had respect for what ever decision they made.

On Papadopoulos's statement to begin a no campaign Talat commented that he had made a political suicide, possibly knowingly. On Denktash's no campaign Talat said that they would continue to be civil to one another, as following the referendum, they would still be seeing one another. He called on the public to act in the same civil manner.

On the speculation that certain parties and organisations from Turkey would be coming to the island for support, Talat said that he did not suggest such things, as internal matters should be handled internally. He added that there was no need to create a strained situation.

On the Donor's Conference in Brussels, he said that he would be attending and making a 15 minute presentation.

*Talat's visit to the south today as earlier reported has been postponed due to the heavy schedules of AKEL and DISI. Talat who was scheduled to cross to the south to meet with the representatives of the parties on the referendum matter has been postponed to a later date. AKEL and DISI's busy schedule was shown as the reason for the postponement.

*The TKP party have stated that they are apprehensive of the outside interference on the referendum and are seriously worried that groups from Turkey may cause fighting and unrest in the country. TKP deputy Davulcu criticised the visit planned by Turkish MHP leader Bahcheli (Nationalist - Grey Wolves). He said that a referendum without pressure and in a free environment needed to be done in the country and called on Turkey and Greece to duty.

*The DP will hold a mini referendum amongst their party members to determine the position the party will take in the referendum on April 24th. At least 6,000 members of the party will vote today and tomorrow to determine their position.

*KIBRIS newspaper editor Basharan Duzgun today claims his column that Denktash and Papadopoulos have secretly met, even though they did not meet face to face. Duzgun says that on the advice of Turkish journalist friend to look closer at the similarities between the two leader's announcements for a no in the referendum, he found out that the two leaders have had contact through Serdar Denktash. Duzgun claims that Serdar has crossed to the south on two occasions to meet with Papadopoulos, but he could not reach Serdar to clarify these claims.

*Talat yesterday met with the delegation from the Young Businessmen's Association (GIAD) at the PM offices. GIAD head Metin Arhun speaking at the meeting said that they come to seek first hand information from the PM on the Annan plan and latest developments. He said that they wanted to know how the plan would be implemented. Talat for his part said that the plan should not be discussed any longer as the 'arrow had left the bow' and there was nothing left but to approve it. He repeated that there was no alternative plan to the Annan plan. Talat said that the TRNC economy would be meeting the real world following a solution and EU accession.

* The TC Electrical Engineers Union have decided to support the referendum and will be voting yes in the referendum. The Solidarity of Women for Peace group made up of women's groups from political parties and trade unions, have also announced their support for the referendum.

*Turkish FM Gul yesterday warned the EU that if they take the GC side as representing the whole island, even if a no vote comes from the south, then the EU would be left in a very difficult position. Speaking at a press conference after meeting with the Bangladesh FM, Gul asked to comment on Verheugen's statements that the GC side would accede to the EU irrelevant of their position in the referendum, said that that was one of the main reasons Turkey called for the restart of the negotiations. Gul said that if the EU takes the south on the same basis, then they will be unable to look at the TRNC in the same way as they did the day before. Commenting on the embargoes imposed on the north, Gul said that they had not been discussed, but inevitably they would have to be lifted if a no vote comes from the south.

*US officials are warning that if the referendum falls because of the vote in the south, then the TC's injustices will be minimised. Papers report that a top level official in the US Foreign Office has underlined that the EU will have huge responsibilities to the north, if the south votes against the plan in the referendum. He added that the US would help the side facing the injustice with co-operation of the EU. The official stated that this would not lead to recognition of the north though.

*YENIDUZEN newspaper today reports that investors in Turkey are waiting for a positive result from the referendum. The paper says that all eyes have turned to the 'new Cyprus'. Turkish business circles such as TUSIAD as well as other business associations are supporting a yes vote for the referendum. NET Holding Investments director Besim Tubuk has announced that there are three British and Israeli companies waiting to invest in Cyprus once a positive result comes from the referendum. He claimed that an abnormal amount of investment would increase on the island.

Turkish Press Summary: April 9

*The Turkish government continue to give serious messages to those who have started a no in the referendum campaign. Turkish FM Gul yesterday said that no-one would gain anything by acting heroically. Gul, as opposed to the 'no' campaigners, insisted that the Annan plan was for the TC interests. Answering journalists questions on Cyprus, Gul said that if there are those who believe that there would be a better point in the future than present, then they should vote 'no' in the referendum. Gul's statements that it was not time for heroism and internal politics were aimed at Denktash's statements yesterday on the plan. He called on everyone to read the main part of the plan and added that the extra pages were technical annexes and regulations.

*Denktash yesterday indicating that Papadopoulos was also against the Annan plan and would vote no in the referendum stated that the 24 April referendum should be postponed. Speaking at a ceremony yesterday, Denktash pointed out that if both leaders were saying no in the referendum, then there would be no point in putting a non-negotiable plan into a referendum. Denktash said that the UN should postpone the referendum and continue with the negotiations. Denktash is going to Istanbul this evening to give a speech at the Grey Wolves Istanbul branch.

*UNSG Kofi Annan has indicated disappointment at the two leaders calls for no in the referendum. Annan noted that he knew of Denktash's opposition to the plan for some time. In a written statement yesterday, the UNSG said that they would not be interfering with the decision of the Cypriot people but noted that a historic chance existed and hoped that they would catch and use this chance.

*US Foreign Secretary Colin Powell has indicated that they were looking for support for a positive result in the referendum. US Foreign Secretary Spokesman Adam Ereli said that the UNSG's plan was good plan which needed to be supported and indicated that the Foreign Secretary's active efforts were in light of this.
Ereli said that Powell had spoken with the Turkish and Greek FM's yesterday and pledged US support to the Cypriot people for a united Cyprus to join the EU. Not commenting on the two sides' leaders statements, Ereli said that Powell had not spoken with either Denktash or Papadopoulos as yet.

*TC PM Talat speaking at the conference of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce said that if a no in the referendum comes from the north, then TC's would fall apart and the Turkish economy would frail. Talat said that there were 4,000 other cases like the Loizidou case against Turkey and Turkey was in no position to pay these. Talat said that he hoped the DP party also support the plan as then the positive votes for a referendum would seriously increase. He also announced that he would be going to Brussels on April 13th to attend the Donor's Conference on the 15th. Speaking in the conference, Talat noted that the TC's future did not look too bright if a negative answer came out in the referendum. He also indicated that if a no answer from the north then the embargoes imposed on the north would increase. He explained that it would be unacceptable to postpone the referendum as it would not be in either Turkey's favour or the TC's.

*Meanwhile a group of 30 'grey wolves' in Istanbul protested Talat's position in Cyprus by chanting slogans and bearing placards.

*Papers pick up reports that although GC leader Papadopoulos has called on his public to vote no in the referendum, he has stated that the GC side will uphold their responsibilities in the Cyprus problem. The papers also report that Papadopoulos's announcement to say no in the referendum has also caused reaction in Athens. Newspapers speculate that the news has caused a 'cold wind' to blow between the two countries. Other news on the matter came from the AKEL party spokesman Kiprianu who said that a majority of the party did not share the same view of Papadopoulos. The party spokesman said that they did not believe that the plan legalised the division of the island, but on the contrary leaned towards a federation instead.

*The TC Constitutional Court will make their decision on the referendum law today. Chief Justice Taner Erginel will make the announcement at 11.00am today as to whether or not the law violates the TRNC Constitution.

*Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Chichek repeated that Turkey and its government had done everything they could to help solve the Cyprus problem. He said that everyone needed to assess what would happen after May 1 before deciding in the referendum on April 24th. Chichek said the two communities would be making the decision on the island. He added that he believed that these conditions were the best possible conditions under the present circumstances. He said it would not be the present government but others who would have to answer to missed opportunities over the past years.

*UN sources report that the UNSG has sent an answer to the guarantor countries following their confirmation letters to him. It is reported that Annan has asked the countries to ensure that all signatures and approvals are undertaken by 29 April and added that he would otherwise announce the plan null and void.

*BDH leader Akinci has defended that Denktash and Papadopoulos are in co-operation with each other to ensure that the non-solution status quo on the island remains. Akinci said that the two leaders were trying to sway the public with their emotional images on the TV instead of acting the statesman they were. Akinci attended a conference in the south yesterday of the New Cyprus Association, which includes many TC members. Speaking at the conference, Akinci indicated that the choice now lay between a non-solution and the Annan plan.

*The BKP (United Cyprus Party) and GUC-SEN and TURK-SEN trade unions have joined the 'yes' in the referendum supporters. The BKP party announced that they would be working with the TKP and KSP party (as they had in the December 2003 elections) for the referendum.

*It is reported that 40 more GC's have applied to the ECHR about Turkey. GC papers report that decision by the European court to freeze applications only applied to those previously applied and not to the 40 new applicants. GC newspaper PHILELEFTEROS prints the names of the 40 new applicants.

*The KTOS teacher union criticising the protest by the farmer's union said that the entire protest 'smelled of provocation'. The union said that such protests were doing nothing more than provoking people to fight amongst themselves. Leader of the union Guzin Ince criticising Denktash and Papadopoulos said that it was now openly seen who did not want a solution on the island. Ince also said that it was interesting to see that the Security Forces remained indifferent to the swearing made against the Turkish PM.

*The TC PM's office announced that there will be two meetings today to inform the public with regards to the Cyprus problem and its economic reflections. The first of the meetings is expected to take place today at the EU Harmonisation Co-ordination Centre where Co-ordinator Erhan Erchin will make a speech. The second meeting will take place on Saturday 10 April at the Ataturk Cultural Centre for journalists where a panel for Turkish and TC businessmen will discuss the business world.

*Leading opposition party UBP have officially announced that they are 100% against the Annan plan and have begun their campaign against it.

*Sources close to the Turkish government are claiming that US intervention had kept the talks alive in Burgenstock. The sources are claiming that without the intervention of Powell, the talks would have broken down in Burgenstock. Powell is reported to have spoken to Annan on the request of FM Gul. It is being claimed that the US intervention got the changes made to the plan, because if it was left to De Soto, none of these changes would have been made, thus causing the breakdown in the talks. The sources say that Denktash was 'annoyed' at the intervention, as he had hoped Turkey would not get what they wanted.

*One Turkish and TC flag hanging outside the business place of shop owner in Kyrenia was attacked and mutilated. Shopkeeper Bulent Kaya reported the incident to the police when he came to work in the morning. Kaya said that such incidents were not helping the sensitive situation in the country at present and added that people should not fall for the foreign 'stirrers' games, but overcome their differences in a camaraderie way.

Greek Cypriot Press Summary: April 3

Also available here:

ALITHIA: “Verheugen: ‘Yes or no, right now’”. Strict as ever, European Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen was somewhat angry and a threatening in statements after the Burgenstock talks. “I was always reluctant in making telegraphic statements,” he said. “But now is the time: For Cyprus, the decision must be taken now and it will be a yes or a no.”

HARAVGHI: “Papadopoulos: ‘I kept my promise’”. President Tassos Papadopoulos assured the people of Cyprus that he kept his promise not to sacrifice their rights on the altar of any pressures or for the sake of any timeframes set to serve ulterior motives of foreigners, the paper reports. “We went to Switzerland with good will, the political intent to reach a compromise, even a painful one, a historic compromise.” Papadopoulos said.

PHILELEFTHEROS: “Powell bearing gifts”. US Secretary of State Colin Powell has expressed his satisfaction over the “constructive contribution” of the leaders of both communities in Cyprus and the leaders of Turkey and Greece, the paper reports. Powell promised the US would contribute in the promotion and success of a solution. “Cypriots should know we will contribute in the EU donors’ conference and we will do whatever is possible to help,” Powell said.

MACHI: “Paving the way for a NO vote.” At around 8pm on Thursday, President Tassos Papadopoulos spoke at Larnaca airport about the results of the Burgenstock talks. “I know and share the feelings of the Cypriot people, who have been following the negotiations in Switzerland with great anxiety,” he said.

POLITIS: “Papadopoulos postpones no”. President Tassos Papadopoulos has asked for more time before he takes a stance and commits himself for or against UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan’s final plan for a settlement. However, in his comments shortly after landing at Larnaca airport on Thursday evening, Papadopoulos showed he was leaning toward a ‘no’ for the referendum on April 24.

SIMERINI: “No vibes from Tassos”. President Tassos Papadopoulos has sent a ‘no’ message in his comments shortly after his arrival to Larnaca from Burgenstock on Thursday evening, the paper reports. The President said that despite efforts by himself and the National Council, no agreement was reached on UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan’s plan for a settlement.

Turkish Press Summary: April 2

Ankara Anatolia (31.03.04) reported from Nicosia that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktas, on Wednesday made the following statement: ''The Greek Cypriot side is refusing everything that our friends in Switzerland are trying to gain in our favor. They are making demands in their favor which exceed the limits of United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan.'' Mr Denktas went on: ''(European Union Commissioner for enlargement Guenter) Verheugen, who went to Switzerland on behalf of EU although he doesn't have any authority, is putting unbelievable pressure on the Turkish side. He is also trying to influence the U.N. officials. He is trying to achieve what he wants by shouting at our people like a Nazi officer.''

The Greek Cypriots changed their attitude towards the presence of Turkish soldiers in Cyprus after Turkey joins the European Union (EU), Denktas stated. Denktas noted that Turkey and Greece had not yet reached any agreement on guarantees. Recalling that the media published and transmitted news that an agreement had been reached on guarantees, Denktas said that those reports were not accurate, but he could not give more details. ''We are determined not to give up our rights. They want to possess the whole Cyprus with the support of EU and we won't permit it,'' Denktas said.

Ankara TRT 2 Television (01.04.04) broadcast the following statement made at Ankara΄s Esenboga Airport by Abdullah Gul, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister before leaving for Brussels: “Our priorities with regard to the Annan Plan were outlined, and changes were introduced to the plan within the framework of these priorities. No doubt, this was a negotiation process about meeting the demands on both sides. I am certain that when they study the document everyone will see that very significant changes were effected with regard to the issues which we underlined as important before leaving for Switzerland and which we shared with you on several occasions. Therefore, this plan has been one in which the issues that are important for Turkey were rectified. Undoubtedly, Mr Rauf Denktas also needs some time. He will no doubt also see all these changes and assess them.”

Istanbul NTV television (01.04.04) broadcast the following press release issued at the end of Turkey΄s National Security Council meeting held on 1 April: “During its meeting today, the National Security Council [NSC] reviewed the negotiation process that started in the wake of the New York understanding as well as the talks conducted in Switzerland on the Cyprus issue. The council listened to the statements made by the members of our delegation that participated in the negotiations with regard to the latest situation on the Cyprus issue. Turkey, which initiated the existing process, continues to sincerely support the efforts for a just and lasting solution in Cyprus. In view of the council members' working schedule and in a bid to allow the relevant parties to assess the final documents in a comprehensive manner, a decision was made to convene the NSC again at 1430 on Monday, 5 April 2004.”

Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (02.04.04) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas has sent the “law” approved by the “parliament” for conducting a referendum to the so-called constitutional court. According to the paper, Mr Denktas sent the “law” to the “constitutional court” without signing it upon the suggestion of the office of the “attorney general”. The court will convene on Monday 5 April in order to examine the issue.

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (02.04.04) reports that Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, stated that the best result came out of the Cyprus talks in Switzerland. Mr Talat made these statements after his return yesterday in occupied Cyprus from Switzerland.

Mr Talat, who stated that a big political battle was given in Switzerland, said that in the end the best possible result came out. He also added that the plan was the most ideal and optimum plan that could have been gotten and added that the procedure is continuing and there are more steps to be taken. Moreover, the so-called Minister of Foreign Affairs of the pseudostate, Mr Serdar Denktas stated that a very difficult period has passed and added that the procedure is going now through a very difficult phase as well. He added that the most difficult is the decision that the persons who live in occupied Cyprus will take regarding the future. In addition, as Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper writes, Mr Talat is positive regarding the referendum, while Mr Serdar Denktas is undecided.

Turkish Cypriot Press Summary: April 2

PM Talat and DPM Serdar Denktash returned to island from Switzerland via Istanbul last night. In a press conference at Gechitkale airport last night and speaking to press on the journey back, Talat called the public for unity in this historic time. He explained that much effort and political struggles were made to reach the point they had today, which lead to the optimum plan. He indicated thanks to the tireless work and efforts by the committees, which lead to the formation of the 9,000 additional pages and said that it was through this that they had achieved the best possible result.

Talat said that it was wrong to assess the present situation as a victory as this would mean defeat for the opposite side. He pointed out that they would be meeting with their party's, the government and Denktash in order to establish their position. Talat said that the plan had both positive and negative points which after this point, they would be submitting it for the public's opinion.

On TC leader Denktash's views that he was apprehensive of the plan, Talat said that as the TRNC government, they had not produced a decision on this, as everyone evaluated the plan according to their own important issues. He hoped that they would all be able to agree on one point, as this would help both the referendum and implementation. Talat went on to say that if this did not happen, then in a democratic country everyone was able to establish their own politics and follow them. Talat indicated that the Donations Conference due to meet on April 15th would have a huge importance to those who may have to move. He also pointed out that they had made huge efforts into the issue of the primary law and added that the EU Commission had given a guarantee on the matter.

Serdar Denktash speaking on the matter said that they had entered a different phase in one year, following on from years of struggle and said that they had achieved the best they could under the circumstances and with plan in front of them. He said that whatever the result after April 24, different and very difficult days lay ahead of them. Serdar indicated that he and Talat, putting their political views to one side, worked closely together to achieve a mutual point. He said that they were able to protect some parts of the public but not the other but one shouldn't forget that this was a compromise and in order to a partnership, concessions had to be made in order for it to work. To show the world that there were two nations on the island was a 'win' in itself. On the plan, Serdar indicated that the 'minuses' were more than the 'pluses' but the permanency of the plan would come from the two publics voluntarily.

Several TC papers today outline the main points of the Annan plan.

TC leader Denktash yesterday speaking to press said that as there was no agreement between the two sides on the plan, he could not see what kind of result would come in a referendum from such a situation. He said that if the derogations were not made part of EU primary law, then the rights given to TC's would have no meaning. It was wrong to enter into an air of festivities and think that everything was over as nothing had been achieved and added that the plan, with all its faults and difficulties had been left to the public. He said he would be fully evaluating the plan once the delegation returned to the island and added that the Turkish team had achieved some changes to the plan through their efforts. Denktash told press that he had taken the special referendum law to the Constitutional Court for their views before signing it, as he had been advised by the Attorney General's office to do so. He indicated that the Constitutional Court would be meeting on Monday to discuss the referendum law.

The Turkish National Security Council met yesterday to discuss the Cyprus issue and the recent summit in Switzerland. Erdogan and Gul attended the meeting to brief the members, following their return from Switzerland. The meeting, which lasted 3.5 hours, was the second in the week, as they had previously met on other matters without the presence of Erdogan and Gul. Following the meeting, the council announced that they supported the efforts for a fair and permanent solution on the island. The council will be meeting again on Monday 5 April in order to comprehensively evaluate and assess the plan and its additions.

Turkish PM Erdogan yesterday said that he had spoken to TC leader Denktash on the steps taken and outcome of the talks in Switzerland and added that 'everyone knew what was going on'. Erdogan said that history would not forgive anyone who makes excuses on this matter. Speaking to reporters before departing for an official trip to the Ukraine, Erdogan pointed out that Turkey was a guarantor country for Cyprus and no one should be suspicious of their goodwill. It is reported that US President George Bush called Erdogan and thanked him for the work and efforts in Switzerland and reiterated that the US would continue their support in light of the matter. Turkish FM Gul said that the last version of the Annan plan satisfied the points to which Turkey gave great importance.

Gul, who was leaving for Brussels for an unofficial meeting of the NATO FM's said that changes had been made on their priorities in Cyprus. On Denktash's negative statements on the Annan plan, Gul said that Denktash probably made these statements, as he did not have enough information with regards to the plan. Once the TC delegation returned and briefed him, then he would see these changes as well. On the matter of derogations, Gul said that the adaptation law formula would be implemented straight away followed by the process for the EU country parliament approvals.

It is reported that UNSG Annan has asked for a written guarantee from the two sides following the presentation of the plan. According to diplomatic sources, the two sides including the guarantor powers of Turkey, Greece and the UK will have to give several written guarantees to the UNSG by April 9th. It is reported that the two sides have to give a guarantee that they will 'take the plan to referendum'; the guarantor powers have to guarantee that they 'approve the plan to go to referendum and in the event of a positive result, will present the plan in their respective national parliaments for approval'.

Turkish speaker of the Assembly Bulent Arinch referring to the Cyprus issue has expressed pleasure over the fact that Turkey has for the first time achieved a diplomatic success of this proportion. Replying to reporter's questions in the Assembly, Arinch said that the TC community in Cyprus has an experience of many years, adding that one should respect the decision to be made by the TC people. Turkey's forceful, determined and dynamic structure had an effect not only on the region but also in the world in general, he said. Arinch continued to say that Turkey has shown that they want to solve the matter through conciliation and diplomacy.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen yesterday said that the fact that permanent derogations did not exist in the plan would help the GC public to look at the plan in a more positive light. Speaking at a press conference at the EP yesterday, he noted that the Turkish side showed a very constructive position in the talks and hoped that both sides would use a positive vote in the referendum on April 24th. He said it was not right to evaluate the talks in Switzerland as 'unsuccessful' because the sides did not agree, but indicated that the alternative to this plan was 'non-solution'. He went on to explain that this was the most balanced plan till date and a solution had never been this close. Verheugen warned that if the GC's entered into a negative position on the issue, then they would see much international pressure and they should understand that the plan was to their benefit. He went on to say that the two sides' authorities needed to persuade their public.

EU officials noted that Turkey's EU membership and negotiation process had been discussed and a result arrived at, and added that Cyprus was no longer an obstacle in Turkey's EU relations. EU diplomatic sources say that Turkey have not taken any steps back in the permanent derogations matter because Turkey's EU membership has been taken into account thus it had not been included in the Annan plan. EU officials noted that several issues in the Annan plan would be implemented with Turkey's EU membership, which was previously indexed to the Annan plan and several matters in the Annan plan, would become null and void with Turkey's membership. Therefore both Greece or the GC side would be unable to prevent Turkey's EU membership and the TC side would give a guarantee until Turkey's accession.

BDH leader Akinci yesterday said that their slogan ' the season is here - Europe in spring' was about to be realised and the TC public had historic responsibilities. Akinci said that they now had a choice between the Annan plan and non-solution and hoped that the people would not make a historic mistake in the referendum. He said that the plan was well balanced in terms of each side's proposals.

US Foreign Secretary Colin Powell speaking at aid conference for Afghanistan in Berlin congratulated the sides for their constructive efforts in the talks in Burgenstock and noted support for the final plan.

Papers report that UBP MP's Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Dervish Eroglu's MP status is in danger due to the fact that they have not been attending parliament. According to the laws, MP's who do not attend for a certain period, without having given a written excuse, face the problem of loosing their status. UBP MP and former FM Ertugruloglu in a statement yesterday on a TV channel has blamed Turkish PM Erdogan for 'selling Cyprus'. Ertugruloglu, who claimed that the PM status did not suit Erdogan at all, reminded that he would defend the struggle until death, and said that this was the time for fighting and if necessary he would die with his honour. Ertugruloglu strongly criticised Erdogan and said that this 'cause' should not have been sold so cheaply, and those who had done so would pay the price. He also commented that Erdogan's appreciation towards Verheugen in his speech was unnecessary.