LEFKOSA - U.S. State Department's Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston met on Monday with officials of National Unity Party (UBP) and Reformist Party (YAP).
UBP Secretary General Suha Turkoz and YAP leader Ertugrul Hasipoglu attended the meeting held in U.S. Embassy building in TRNC.
Following the meeting, Turkoz told reporters that he got the impression that Weston was insistent on the existing Annan plan.
Turkoz said that there was not any change in the views regarding the plan that had been voiced before.
''He stressed the reality that only an agreement based on the principle that there were two separate equal nations in Cyprus, the language and religion of which were different, and there were two separate democratic states, could be permanent'' during their meeting, Turkoz stated.
Turkoz pointed out that he noted during the meeting that Turkish side's expectations should not be ignored.
YAP leader Hasipoglu said that there was not any change in the double standard applied to Cyprus and added, ''it seems that there has not been any progress.''
Hasipoglu noted that he had the opportunity to once more express their views about Annan plan and referendum and especially, he expressed their concerns about bi-zonal structure and security.
The Greek Cypriots, who did not accept the plan in its current shape, did not want any change either, Hasipoglu stated.
Hasipoglu pointed out that negotiations were obligatory to reach the desired solution.
''Turkey would have to withdraw all its soldiers from the island after a possible European Union (EU) membership,'' Hasipoglu said.
Hasipoglu added, ''we favor existence of Turkish soldiers here forever.''
(BRC-AY) 16.06.2003