TRNC President Rauf Denktas responded to reporters’ questions yesterday evening following his press conference on the proposal package, which he submitted to the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, Tasos Papadopulos.

Underlining that he did not specify an absolute deadline for Papadopulos to respond to his proposals, President Denktas said if Papadopulos responds after April 16, it would be difficult to discuss the issue after that date.

President Denktas said: "From my point of view, discussion of these proposals after April 16, will create difficulty. I think, if he has good intentions, he should give his response before April 16. But, this is not a precondition."

Stating that he did not invite the United Nations to be present during the negotiations of the proposals he made to Papadopulos, President Denktas stressed that in the event that Papadopulos wanted the UN to be present during the negotiation process of the TRNC’s proposals, as Clerides did before, he would not object.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that it wholly shared and supported the proposals submitted yesterday by President Denktas to the Greek Cypriot leader, Tasos Papadopulos.

The statement said President Denktas’ constructive opening and proposals he put on the agenda, would contribute to overcoming the existing crisis of confidence on the island, to improving the relationship between the two sides, and would speed up the efforts for finding a comprehensive settlement.

Stating that "we believe the UN and EU should assist the two sides in the implementation of these proposals", the statement expressed that Turkey was ready to carry out her responsibilities in implementing President Denktas’ proposals. The statement added that the international community should also display the same understanding.