DIKO crosses north for groundbreaking meeting with Denktash

DIKO and the Turkish Cypriot Democrat Party (DP) yesterday agreed to disagree on core issues of the Cyprus problem.

The meeting was held at the offices of the DP in the north.
It was the first time a DIKO delegation crossed the checkpoint and it was made possible after the Turkish Cypriot authorities agreed that identity cards or passports would not be necessary.

DIKO deputy chairman Nicos Cleanthous and DP leader Serdar Denktash noted their disagreement on core issues of the Cyprus problem and exchanged views on the possibility of the resumption of talks.

“Every Cypriot feels moved to be in a part of his divided country, which will be happy when it unites in earnest without foreign troops or custodians,” Cleanthous said.
The DIKO deputy chairman described the meeting as constructive.

“We had an honest dialogue on issues, which affect our daily life as well as core issues on which we have disagreements,” he said.

But it was important that a frank dialogue had started with the Turkish Cypriots, which would assist in both sides’ views of being understood, Cleanthous added.

Denktash said that the two sides agreed to disagree on certain matters but stressed the importance of continuing the dialogue, which would help in resolving daily problems and eventually lead to a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.

He said that Turkish troops would remain on the island as long as there was no solution, adding that they were there with the Turkish Cypriots’ will.

“It should be understood by Greek Cypriots that the troops are here with the will of the Turkish Cypriots.

“We need them for security reasons; they would not stay here if we manage to agree on a comprehensive, lasting and viable solution,” Denktash said.

He went on to stress the importance of having similar meetings without foreign involvement: “We will solve the problem, we will live next to each other after the solution thus we must understand our fears and needs.”

The Turkish Cypriot politician said the meetings between the two parties would continue.

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