Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-12-23

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 236/98 -- 23.12.98

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu: Coalition can be formed with either TKP, DP.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu: Coalition can be formed with either TKP, DP

Eroglu visited the Democratic Party (DP) headquarters and the Communal Liberation Party (TKP) headquarters on 21.12.98. At the DP and the TKP headquarters he held meetings with the respecetive party leaders, Serdar Denktash and Mustafa Akinci. Eroglu said that after his meeting with Repubilcan Turkish Party (CTP) leader Mehmet Ali Talat on he will take the issue to the UBP Party Council that will convene on 23 December and that the Council will decide on which party will be offered a coalition proposal.

In a statement after the meeting, Eroglu said that if a ``government'' is to be formed then this ``government'' should have certain principles and that the sides should abide by them. Eroglu added that these principles were discussed at the meeting. Noting that after he was designated to form the ``government'' he discussed the issue of ``government'' partnership with the DP, Eroglu said that they have not yet reached the points of conciliation or lack of conciliation. Pointing out that the DP has clearly expressed the view that it can take part in the coalition, Eroglu said that this is important for the UBP. Noting that both sides have their own views and conditions, Eroglu said that these views should be reflected in the coalition protocol if unease is to be eliminated within the ``government''. He noted that the UBP does not have any preconditions, adding that the UBP called on the DP to be informed about its views and on whether it has any preconditions.

Denktash said that they discussed the fundamental principles that will render a coalition harmonious, adding that the DP views on the issue were conveyed to the UBP delegation. Noting that there is no such thing as an iniitial impression because the two parties have conducted a government partnership for two and a half years, Denktash added that both parties are well aware of the problems and that he expressed his views on how these problems should be overcome. Noting that no differences of views emerged at the meeting, Denktash said that, if necessary, they might meet again after the UBP concludes its talks with the other parties. He stressed that the rest depends on the decision the UBP will reach. Denktash said that the details can be discussed after the UBP reaches a decision, adding that the DP precondition is to estabilsh a harmonious coalition.

Eroglu later called on the TKP. In a brief statement before the meeting, TKP leader Mustafa Akinci said that his party is ready to form a partnership, adding that if a propopsal is submitted, they will sit down and discuss the issue.

Eroglu said that after his meeting with Talat he will take the issue to the Party Council meeting and that the Council will decide on which party will be offered a coalition proposal.

In a statement after his meeting with the TKP delegation, Eroglu said that the UBP found the opportunity to make assessments at the meetings held with both parties. He added that after his meeting with the CTP he will convene the UBP Central Decisionmaking and Adminisstrative Council to discuss the issue prior to the Party Council meeting. Eroglu said that during his meeting with Akinci, he got the impression that the TKP is ready to form a coalition. He added that the principles that should be adhered to in a possible coalition were discussed at the meeting.

In a statement after the meeting, Akinci noted that these were Eroglu�s first official contacts. He noted that if the conditions that will enable the govenrment to serve the people are created, then his party favours a partnership. Noting that there are two alternatives, Akinci said that one of them is a UBP-DP and the other a UBP-TKP coalition. Noting that they favour a partnership, Akinci added that the TKP is now awaiting a UBP decision on the issue. Pointing out that the UBP will decide on the party with which they will form a coalition, Akinci said that if the party decides on the TKP, then the two parties might reach an agreement on a coaltion.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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