ANKARA - Foreign Ministry denied on Monday news saying that it contradicted the Chief of General Staff related with efforts to solve Cyprus issue.
A statement of the Foreign Ministry recalled that it was the common wish of Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to find a fair and lasting solution to Cyprus issue.
The statement said, ''the Ministry continuously holds necessary consultations and makes necessary evaluations since preparations were started to determine position of Turkish side in a possible talks process. Therefore, our efforts aim at assuming a common attitude.''
The news published in a newspaper the same day about the process was inaccurate, the statement noted.
The statement said, ''the news does neither reflect the realities nor contributes to efforts to find a fair and lasting solution to Cyprus issue through talks, to Turkey's national interests and to unity and solidarity of Turkish Cypriot people in this very important stage.''
The Foreign Ministry is the advocate of rights and interests of Turkey and Turkish Cypriot people when Cyprus issue, which is a national cause, is in question, the statement pointed out.
The statement added, ''therefore, claims and expressions that took place in a newspaper do never reflect the realities. The Ministry is sad about to see that news.''
(BRC-AÖ) 05.01.2004