ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Friday that Foreign Ministry and General Staff together carried out work on a solution to the Cyprus issue and stated that they would go to the meeting of National Security Council (NSC) with a common document.
Upon questions on the meeting of NSC which will be held on Friday with agenda on Cyprus, Gul said that views of General Staff were also included in the document which was prepared by Foreign Ministry.
Stating that the issue would be presented and discussed with its all dimensions in the meeting, Gul said that all recommendations would be taken in the meeting. He added that after assessments on the issue, it would be continued with political will.
Gul said that he would come together with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas in Ankara on Saturday.
Upon a question, Gul noted that he did not give an answer to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's letter on solution to the Cyprus issue. Stating that talks on the issue between the sides have been continuing, Gul said, ''answers come and go.''
Gul said that everyone wanted solution to Cyprus issue.
Upon questions on Turkey's European Union (EU) process, Gul said that Turkey was aware of its shortcomings and it would complete those things by the end of the year.
Gul added, ''if they give an unobjective answer which smells excuse and trick, it is up to them. We will not lose anything.''
(EÖ-AY) 23.01.2004