Neither Division, Nor Enosis

KTOS head Sorakin, said that committees agreed on during the New York talks were not yet formed because of Denktashs illness. Reading the press release of This Country Is Ours Platform Sorakin emphasized they were for peace based on political equality.

Nicosia

The health problem of President Rauf Raif Denktash of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is being used as an excuse, said Erdogan Sorakin, the head of Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTOS).

"At the New York summit, Rauf Denktash and Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides agreed on forming committees," said Sorakin. "However, they are using Denktash's health problem as an excuse for not forming the committees."

"This clearly demonstrates how reluctant some dominant circles are, to find a solution on the island," said Sorakin. Reading a press statement on behalf of "This Country Is Ours Platform," called on the two sides to spend more effort for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem.

Administrators or representatives from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Patriot Union Action (YBH), United Cyprus Party (BKP), Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTOS), Cyprus Turkish High School Teachers' Union (KTOEOS), Cyprus Turkish Public Servants' Union (KTAMS), Revolutionary Workers' Union (Dev-Is), Clerical Employees' Union (BES), Association of the Chamber of Turkish Cypriot Architects and Engineers (KTMMOB), and the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, all had signatures on the statement text presented to the press by Sorakin.

"We want peace and political equality"

"We have a historic opportunity ahead of us," said the Sorakin. The statement included the following:

* We have a historic opportunity ahead of us. The Turkish Cypriot community, the Greek Cypriot community, Turkey and Greece would all benefit if we take advantage of this opportunity.

* The developments till November 12 will directly affect the presence of the Turkish Cypriot community on the island.

* During the negotiation talks in New York, they decided on forming committees. The committees to be formed should represent every part of the society. We demand to take part in those committees.

* We are for a solution on the island, which should be a federative system based on political equality and joint solidarity, with two communities and two regions, and with a single international identity. We are spending efforts for this federative system.

* Without using the advantage of the European Union (EU), the government of the Cyprus Republic should also come to the realization of the demolition that "Enosis and Division" policies have caused for both communities in Cyprus. (NK/BB/EA/NM)