Within the framework of the Cyprus negotiation process, which started on 19 February in order to reach a settlement on the Cyprus issue, the quadripartite talks, which is the second phase of the negotiation process, between Turkey, Greece and the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides started in Switzerland today (24 March).

Headed by Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat, the TRNC delegation, which also includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Serdar Denktas, Presidential Undersecretary Ergun Olgun and the TRNC’s Washington Representative Osman Ertug, departed for Switzerland yesterday (23 March).

Speaking at Gecitkale Airport before departing for Switzerland, Prime Minister Talat, pointing out that the Cyprus negotiation process had entered a new phase and would continue in Switzerland, said now was the time for unity and solidarity. He said the final text to be put to referendum would be ready by 1 April.

Explaining that they were going to Switzerland with an experienced team, the Prime Minister said this team would strive to protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people.

For his part, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Serdar Denktas, said they were going to Switzerland to try and change the shape of the Annan Plan so that it would protect the existence and future of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, pointing out that everyone would evaluate the outcome of the quadripartite talks, which would in turn determine the outcome of the referendum, said he expected the Turkish Cypriot people to show them the same level of trust as was shown to them by President Denktas. He said by working closely and in conformity with the Turkish delegation the Turkish Cypriot delegation would do its best to achieve an outcome.

Meanwhile, in order to attend the quadripartite talks the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Gul, also departed for Switzerland.

Speaking at Esenboga Airport in Ankara before his departure, Gul said Turkey would do its best to ensure that a lasting peace was achieved. He said: "We hope that as the two motherlands, Turkey and Greece, will enter the process and ensure that a united Cyprus state will be formed that will preserve a lasting, viable settlement on the island and the interests of the two peoples".

Pointing out that on a number of occasions Turkey had talked about issues of vital importance for Turkey, Gul said Turkey was not prepared to reach an agreement at any cost. He said the opportunity to present a plan that would be accepted by both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot people should be given.

Explaining that the recent events in Kosova had strengthened some of Turkey’s concerns regarding the Cyprus issue, Gul said he hoped the UN Secretary-General would also take these concerns into consideration.

Referring to the issue of the Turkish Cypriot side’s sine qua nons, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Serdar Denktas said Turkey had given priority to the TRNC’s sine qua nons.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot side’s sine qua nons were clear, but that the order of priority was different with Turkey, Serdar Denktas said during a meeting with Turkish officials in the TRNC last weekend (20-21 March), priority had been given to the Turkish Cypriot side’s priorities.