LEFKOSA - U.S. State Department's Cyprus Special Coordinator Thomas Weston said that he was sad over incidents which took place in Istanbul on Thursday and stated that his country was ready to extend every kind of support to Turkey in fight against terrorism.
Weston who met with representatives of political parties in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) held a press conference.
When asked why he visited the region twice in a short time, Weston said that it was a necessity of diplomacy and stated that the United States would continue to exert efforts. Weston added that a solution should be found to Cyprus issue as soon as possible.
Claiming that U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan made the best proposal for solution, Weston said that the two sides should start to work as soon as possible to fill gaps in the plan. He asserted that Greek Cypriot side supported Annan's plan and said that Turkey was expecting a solution other than the one foreseen by Annan's plan. Weston added that but he believed that there was not any other solution.
When a Turkish reporter said that his attitude on Cyprus issue was not objective and neutral, Weston said that he was objective on Cyprus issue and added that he was here for a solution which would satisfy both sides.
Weston said that preparation of Annan's plan took years and stated that their aim was to conclude the plan as soon as possible and to conduct a referendum on it.
Upon a question on TRNC President Rauf Denktas's not receiving him, Weston said that Denktas did not reject him and stated that Denktas had some views which did not concur with his views. He added that he and Denktas would come together later.
Touching on the latest report on Cyprus of Annan, Weston said that the report was realistic.
Upon another question, Weston said that he was not pessimistic or optimistic about Cyprus issue and stated that he believed that a solution would be reached. Weston added that elections which would be held in TRNC was important.
Replying to a question, Weston who touched on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to TRNC on November 15 said that Erdogan did not come to TRNC for elections, but for boosting morale.
(EÖ-ÖŞ) 21.11.2003