The program and method of the quadripartite talks, which make up the second phase of the Cyprus negotiation process and which will continue after the Turkish and Greek delegations return to Burgenstock, Switzerland following the EU Heads of States Summit Meeting in Brussels, is still uncertain.

Meanwhile, speaking to journalists yesterday (25 March), the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Serdar Denktas, said it was agreed that the four sides (Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides, Turkey and Greece) would get together for the quadripartite talks tonight (26 Match).

Pointing out that there was no change in the Greek Cypriot side’s stance and that they didn’t come to Switzerland for shuttle diplomacy, Serdar Denktas said although the Turkish Cypriot side objected that negotiations were being carried out as two-party talks instead of four-party talks, they have not withdrawn from the talks. He said if a satisfactory outcome was not achieved it might even be decided not to go to a referendum.

Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot side went to Switzerland for the quadripartite talks and that their constructive approach was continuing, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs said: "Papadopoulos has said he has doubts about our authority to make a decision. I told him that this issue could not be discussed. We are here with full authority, which was given to us in writing by President Denktas and the constitution".

Stating that according to the Istanbul News Agency (IHA), the Turkish Cypriot delegation would have a meeting with the USA and UK delegations, Serdar Denktas said it would be the Greek and Turkish Cypriot people who would settle the Cyprus issue and that the mediation of the USA and UK was not appropriate.

Speaking on the Turkish NTV television channel yesterday (25 March), and referring to the talks in Switzerland, President Denktas pointing out that it was necessary to see what kind of result would emerge from these talks, said he saw dangers if the Turkish Cypriot side’s requests were not taken into consideration and the necessary changes were not made to the Annan Plan.

President Denktas said if the Turkish Cypriot people said ‘yes’ to such an agreement, after a few years there would be no Turkish Cypriots left in Cyprus and he was worried that when the Turkish military soldiers left the island many Turkish Cypriots would also leave the island.

Stating that if the Turkish Cypriot people were to live in tranquillity and security on the island, this would depend on the continuation of the Treaty of Guarantee, the strengthening of bizonality, and a fair and just settlement of the property issue, President Denktas said because the Annan Plan does not give the Turkish Cypriots a satisfactory response on these issues, that includes dangers. He said he believed that these dangers would be overcome together with the Turkish Government and the Turkish Nation.