Press Releases, Statements, Notes/Articles and Letters INITIATIVE BY TURKEY ON CYPRUS, 24 JANUARY 2006 Cyprus a reminder CYPRUS: WHAT HAS HAPPENED? Highlights of the UNSG´s report Cyprus (Historical Overview) What the World Said Before the Referanda What the World said After the Referanda The Annan Plan and the Greek Cypriot “NO”: False Reasons and Claims Greek Cypriot state terror revealed Confidence Building Measures (1992-1994) Meaningful Anniversary Of The Cyprus Peace Operation Turkish Parliament Proclaims Solidarity With TRNC And Demands Equal Treatment For The Two States On The Island Resolution By The Turkish Grand National Assembly On 21 January 1997 Circular Note Sent To The Embassies Of The EU Member States Concerning The Greek Cypriot Application To The EU, 30 June 1997 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the establishment of an Association Council Resolution Adopted By The Legislative Assembly of The TRNC March 9, 1998 Aide-Memoire By The TRNC To The British High Commission In Nicosia, 26 March 1998 Documents Given By President Denktas To The UN Secretary-General During Their Meeting In Geneva- 28 March 1998 Resolution of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, 15 July 1999 Treaty Provisions And Basic Documents With Regard To The EU Membership Of Cyprus British Professor of International Law Prof. H. Mendelson Q.C.'s opinion on the legal aspects of the one-sided membership application of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus to the European Union Final communique of the annual coordination meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference ( United Nations, New York 28 September 2004, 14 Shaa'ban 1425 H - para. related to Cyprus) Report of the Secretary-General Kofi Annan on his Mission of Good Offices in Cyprus, 28 May 2004 Report of the Secretary-General Annan on the United Nations operation in in Cyprus, 3 December 2007 The Status of the Two Peoples in Cyprus Edited By Necati Münir Ertekün Greek Cypriot Attempts To Purchase Missiles From Russia And The Resulting Danger For The Peace And Stability In Cyprus EU and Cyprus:An Expert View Opinion of Professor M.H. Mendelson Q.C on the Application of “the Republic of Cyprus” to Join the European Union Grand Deception, Korkmaz HAKTANIR, Founding Member of the Cyprus Foundation '' BARBARIE A CHYPRE '' Le Soir Illustré 1967 The Need for New Perspective on Cyprus
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  5. Letter Sent to Greek Cypriot Leader Papadopulos on 2 April 2003 by the President of the TRNC, H.E. Rauf R. Denktaş
Letter Sent to Greek Cypriot Leader Papadopulos on 2 April 2003 by the President of the TRNC, H.E. Rauf R. Denktaş
Dear Mr. Papadopoulos,

Since our return from the Netherlands on 11 March 2003, I have been trying to reassess in depth the negotiating process resulting in the stalemate at The Hague.

Based on our re-evaluation and the responses given to the UN Secretary-General's proposals by both sides, I am now convinced more than ever that we have for too long overlooked the significance of the socio-psychological dimension of the problem, and especially the deep crisis of confidence between the two sides.

The Turkish Cypriot side sincerely wishes a lasting settlement to the forty year-old question of Cyprus. In achieving a sustainable and viable settlement that would be acceptable to both sides, the first meaningful step should, without doubt, be the improvement of the political environment within which we could allow for the evolution of a working relationship between the two sides through the building up of trust and confidence. This would enable us to resolve pending issues, thus preparing the ground for a comprehensive settlement. The island is, no doubt, the common home of the two co-owner peoples in Cyprus.

In this context, I wish to share with you the following ideas and suggestions which I believe could initiate a process of dialogue and consultation leading to a working relationship between us. This would greatly enhance the prospects for and paved the way to a mutually acceptable comprehensive settlement based on the political equality of the two sides and bring tangible benefits to both parties.

(i) As a first step, the fenced area of Varosha south of Dhimoktrathias street, including the area extending to the UN Buffer Zone, will be transferred to the Greek Cypriot control to be opened for resettlement.

(ii) Parallel to this, all restrictions on overseas trade, transport, travel and cultural and sportive activities from or to both parts of Cyprus will be lifted. I am convinced that Turkey and Greece will also positively respond to this by removing the restrictions which they apply to the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides respectively. We shall invite the UN and EU to acknowledge and give effect to these arrangements.

(iii) The freedom of movement will be facilitated between the two sides, subject only to minimal procedures. The restrictions on the movement of tourists will also be lifted.

(iv) Steps will be taken gradually for the normalization of the flow of goods between the two parties on the island. Cooperation shall be also encouraged between the institutions of both sides to identify and develop joint projects.

(v) The Turkish Cypriot side will lift the measures regarding the movement of UNFICYP of July 2000.

(vi) A bilateral Reconciliation Committee will be established with the objective of promoting understanding, tolerance and mutual respect between the two parties. This Committee will make specific recommendations for promoting bilateral contacts and projects.

These ideas and suggestions constitute a package and should be regarded as an integrated whole. The acceptance and implementation of this package will neither prejudice our respective positions, nor will it be a substitute to a final settlement. I am prepared to discuss with you the above points and their modalities with the aim of initiating a cooperative relationship. In doing this, we could benefit from the assistance of the UN and the EU. These measures, I believe, would bring about a positive climate to the island and to our region.

On the understanding of the above, I am also ready to talk with you the core issues of the comprehensive settlement and matters related to EU membership with the objective of reaching a mutually satisfactory conclusion.

As we both supported the good-offices mission, I am taking the liberty of sending a copy of this letter to the UN Secretary-General.

Sincerely,

Rauf R. Denktaş