Annans Plan a Starting Point For Talks

Turkish Cypriot NGOs undersigned Solution in Cyprus and EU Membership declaration. During the meeting in Chamber of Commerce an agreement has been reached on engaging in a series of actions throughout existing crucial period before Dec.12.

Nicosia

The Turkish Cypriot NGOs that had undersigned the "common vision" declaration titled "Solution in Cyprus and European Union Membership", largely participated in the meeting held in Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce on November 20.

During the meeting an agreement has been reached on engaging in a series of actions throughout the existing crucial time period before the December 12. The collective press release read by Ali Erel, President of Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce is as follows.

"Annan's Plan must be accepted as the base of negotiations"

* The Cyprus problem, which has been continuing for 40 years, is a risk for not only the parties in Cyprus but also those in Greece, Turkey and the region.

* On 12 December, the whole process beginning with Helsinki will arrive at a conclusion and EU will go into a new phase with the Enlargement Process.

* The accession negotiations between the Greek Cypriot side and the EU will enter the stage of decision. Therefore a solution to the Cyprus problem is required. Otherwise, GC side will accede to the EU unilaterally.

* UN Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan's settlement plan that is basically proposing solutions to the issues discussed by the two leaders, has created a suitable climate for the negotiation and solution of the problem until 12th December 2002.

* In the negotiations held for years, it has become a mutual expectation that there could be territorial concessions (of 28% plus or 29% as we expressed it) in return to getting back our rights in constitution, political equality rights and in security; our administrations' wrong polices in this matter are the real cause of our people's disappointment today.

* We believe that in the course of the Copenhagen Summit, it will be possible to find a formula that will satisfy Turkey in her bid to obtain an accession negotiations date. Solution in Cyprus and Turkey-EU relations will closely interact.

* The situation, which the Turkish people and the Turkish Cypriots will face as a consequence of a state of no-solution, will involve worse conditions than the ones existing today, there will be difficulties of irreparable nature. This situation will indefinitely delay solution of the Cyprus problem and the date of Turkish accession.

* Beyond the necessary compensation and the satisfaction of our people -especially of those in Guzelyurt area- who will be displaced as a consequence of the territorial adjustments, a solution must involve the required measures to answer to their social, cultural, psychological and other humanitarian needs.

* We agree with every view presented and every measure demanded by the Guzelyurt District Development Association towards the satisfaction of the district's displaced people to be. We announce right from today that we shall be the dedicated followers of these people's well being in the 'New Guzelyurt' to be

* At the existing stage, in view of the pressure of time, our leaders must begin a process of negotiation. We protest the rejectionist approach of our ruling parties that will bring calamity to both the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish people.

* As part of the civil society, we would like to inform all of our officials that we shall do our best so that the existing serious opportunity is not missed.

* We invite our political leadership to make good use of this opportunity and to adopt approaches that will prevent our people from carrying on to worse times. (NM)