LEFKOSA - U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell sent a message of congratulation to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat through U.S. representative to the Greek Cypriot side Michael Klasson on Thursday.
Issuing a written statement, Prime Ministry Information Department said that Powell congratulated TRNC Prime Minister Talat for the historic result of Dec. 14 elections and for the leadership and responsibility he assumed in the new coalition government.
Powell noted that Klasson and U.S. State Department Cyprus Special Coordinator Thomas Weston informed him about the election results and the efforts launched until the formation of the new government. Powell stressed that the election results were a clear sign of Turkish Cypriot people's desire of peace and EU membership.
U.S. Secretary of State Powell remarked that he appreciated the efforts launched by Talat before and after elections for resuming of peace talks on the island on the basis of U.N. Secretary General's plan for admission of united Cyprus to EU until May 1, 2004. Powell expressed his belief that Turkish Cypriot people would support it and that the U.S. would extend full and active support.
Powell called for use of the opportunity that would ensure Turkish Cypriots to benefit from EU membership, that would take into consideration the security interests of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots and that would strengthen Turkey's accession to Europe until May 1. Powell reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to ensure the necessary international financial support for finding a solution in Cyprus.
(Öª-BRC) 15.01.2004