Leaders Of Opposition Parties In T.R.N.C. Visit European Parliament

STRASBOURG - Leaders of opposition parties in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) visited on Tuesday European Parliament (EP).
Mehmet Ali Talat, the leader of Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ali Erel, the leader of Solution and European Union (EU) Party, and Mustafa Akinci, the leader of Peace and Democracy Movement, attended a meeting held in EP as speakers.
Leaders of political parties in TRNC expressed their views about recent developments in Cyprus issue before the elections to be held in TRNC in December in the meeting held jointly by foreign affairs, defense, human rights, and EP-Cyprus joint parliamentary commissions.
Leaders of three political parties in TRNC stated that Annan plan could be taken as a basis for a solution although it did not totally satisfy them.
Solution and European Union Party leader Ali Erel said that TRNC's economy was worsening due to embargoes and noted, ''insolubility in Cyprus mostly makes the situation of Turkish Cypriots difficult.''
Noting that EU should also encourage the Greek Cypriot side for a solution in Cyprus, Erel accused the Greek Cypriot side of not wanting a solution.
Leaders of opposition parties in TRNC stated that Turkey played an important role in solution of Cyprus issue and the EU should openly give the message to Turkey that full membership negotiations would start.
(BRC) 18.11.2003