In a statement issued yesterday, the TRNC Deputy Prime Ministry and Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that the new Cyprus action plan announced by Turkey yesterday (25 January) was a constructive and sincere initiative.

The full text of the statement is as follows:

"The new package of proposals, the result of serious efforts and deliberations aimed at settling the Cyprus problem, was announced yesterday by the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül. Considering them a constructive and genuine initiative addressing the interests of both peoples of Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriot side supports the proposals strongly.

We believe firmly that the 10 point package of proposals which also conforms with the expectations of the international community for a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, is a new initiative which could pave the way for the resumption of the negotiations process.

The new action plan, which addresses the European Union’s expectations from Turkey on the Cyprus issue as part of the accession negotiations, is also in line with the calls of the international community to lift the isolations imposed on the TRNC following the Annan Plan, particularly as expressed by the UN Secretary-General in his relevant report.

Our hope is that the Greek Cypriot Administration will examine without prejudice these constructive and sincere proposals, which will contribute to a settlement in Cyprus as well as to stability in the region and to the interests of both peoples, and, that it will abandon its intransigent attitude hence not wasting one more opportunity".

Still reacting to UK Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, visiting President Talat at his office, the Greek Cypriot administration has prepared a special memorandum about the international community's contacts with TRNC state and government officials.

According to the Greek Cypriot daily, 'Politis', it was reported that the memorandum was prepared by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Ministry and sent to all Greek Cypriot embassies abroad.

In the memorandum it was stated that foreigners could have meetings with Turkish Cypriot officials in the foreign embassies in South Cyprus or in other places, but if foreign officials wished to cross over to the TRNC, the Greek Cypriot side would not accept them having their meetings in buildings such as the TRNC Presidency or Prime Ministry.

Commenting on the Greek Cypriot side's new policy to the Turkish Cypriot News Agency (TAK) correspondent, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Serdar Denktas said with this attitude the Greek Cypriot side was even trying to impose an embargo on the Turkish Cypriot people in making their voice heard.

Indicating that these approaches did not contribute to a settlement, Serdar Denktas said, "We will continue to explain our thoughts and views to world public opinion and leaders on the Cyprus issue".

He said the Greek Cypriot side did not have the competence and power to decide which, when, how and where the Turkish Cypriot side could negotiate with world countries. Continuing Serdar Denktas said, as demonstrated by UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's visit, world countries should also tell the Greek Cypriot administration how far it could go.