At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr.Süleyman Demirel, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, H.E. Mr.Rauf Denktaş, has paid an official visit to Ankara on 4 July 1997.

During this visit, an exchange of views and consultations on the face-to-face talks which are scheduled to take place in New York between 9-13 July 1997, and subjects relating to the further development of relations between Turkey and the TRNC have taken place.

During the visit, the parties have announced the following common views and decisions:

1. The U.N. Secretary General's mission of good offices is with the two equal communities in the Island, and the finding, of a freely negotiated and mutually acceptable settlement by the two leaders is the basis of this mission of good offices. Any outside interference with the negotiating process, which will be conducted within the U.N. framework and on the basis of the parameters which have been established through this process, cannot be accepted. It is in this understanding that the parties are supporting the direct negotiations process and believe that the New York talks constitute an appropriate opportunity for the finding of a just and realistic settlement to the Cyprus dispute.

2. The Turkish Cypriot side will participate in these talks in a constructive and positive spirit. Bi-communality, bi-zonality and the political equality of the two sides will form the fundamental parameters of a lasting solution.

3. In Cyprus there are two separate peoples and administrations. The approach of regarding the Greek Cypriot administration as the legitimate government, in contravention of international law, does not in any way contribute to the settlement of the Cyprus question. The acceptance of the Turkish Cypriot side's equal political and legal status and the lifting of the restrictive measures applied against the TRNC in the international field will facilitate and enhance the efforts directed towards a settlement.

4. Establishing a climate of confidence between the two sides is a prerequisite for a lasting settlement in Cyprus. The political, legal and sovereign rights as well as the legitimate interests of the Turkish Cypriot side must be safeguarded. A settlement arrived at through negotiations conducted freely will be submitted to the approval of the two peoples through separate referenda.

5. The 1960 Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance will remain valid and in effect under all circumstances; any direct or indirect alteration of these treaties will not be allowed and Turkey's effective and physical guarantee will continue.

6. By virtue of the 1960 Treaties an internal balance between the two communities in Cyprus, on the one hand, and an external balance between Turkey and Greece, on the basis of their rights and obligations, on the other, have been established. The external balance in question is an integral part of the regional peace and stability. The 1960 treaties stipulate that Cyprus cannot join any international political or economic union of which both Turkey and Greece are not members. According to the dictates of international law and regional peace and stability, Cyprus can only become a full member of the EU after a settlement which will comprise these principles and once Turkey has become a member as well. Each step the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus takes on the road to EU membership, on the basis of its unilateral application in contravention of international law, will accelerate the integration process between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

7. The massive militarization efforts of the Greek Cypriot side and the construction of air force and navy bases for Greece in Southern Cyprus, in the context of the "Joint Defence Doctrine", the prospect of the deployment in the South of weapons systems capable of threatening Turkey, and the support given to terrorist activities are elements which threaten not only the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the region, but the security of Turkey as well. Turkey is carefully following these negative developments not only from the standpoint of the security and well-being of the Turkish Cypriot people, but also from the standpoint of its own security requirements. The parties consider the principles contained in the Joint Declaration of 20 January 1997 between the Presidents of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as indispensable elements of a lasting peace in the region.

8. The two sides have decided to act in line with the above views and considerations and to be in close consultation and cooperation with each other throughout the negotiating process which will resume in New York. In this spirit, Turkey will continue to support the constructive attitude adopted by TRNC President Mr.Rauf Denktaş during the negotiations, as it has done up to now.