51.  But the Turkish Cypriot side has insisted on international recognition of its breakaway state, recognized only by Turkey, before joining negotiations.

52.  Clerides has reservations about discussing this demand as the breakaway state is rejected by Security Council resolutions.

53.  Christofides rejected the Denktash proposals Friday, saying this was another attempt by Denktash to gain even partial recognition for his illegal breakaway state.

54.  Criticizing the European Union for membership talks with Greek Cypriots, Turkey said Wednesday it would move toward closer integration with the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state.

55.  Cyprus and Greece on Thursday denounced a decision by the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state to extend its territorial waters as a provocation designed to raise tension.

56.  Cyprus welcomes the rejection by the U.N. Security Council of the Turkish Cypriot demand for recognition of their breakaway state, a government spokesman said Friday.

57.  Currently, only Turkey recognizes the breakaway state.

58.  Denktash agreed to negotiate directly with Clerides, dropping a demand to first receive international recognition of his breakaway state in Turkish-occupied north Cyprus.

59.  Denktash had previously refused to negotiate until his breakaway state was recognized internationally.

60.  Denktash has long argued that peace talks can only resume after Cyprus recognizes his breakaway state in the north and halts its accession negotiations with the European Union.