LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said on Wednesday that meeting which would be held today between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President George Bush would be very beneficial with regard to its goals.
Talat told reporters that he knew Turkey's preliminary work on Cyprus issue for meeting between Erdogan and Bush and stated that Turkish side aimed at restarting negotiations and finding a solution to the Cyprus issue by May 2004. He added that Erdogan would take another step further on this goal in his meeting with U.S. President Bush.
Stating that Erdogan would demand support of the United States which was a super power to solution, Talat said that they hoped that Erdogan's effort would yield positive result.
When a reporter said, ''maybe, it will also be demanded that pressure should also be put on Greek Cypriot side. Do you think that Greek Cypriot side is doing its utmost?'' Talat said, ''it seems that ball is passing to the field of Greek Cypriot side. The ball has not passed yet, but it seems the ball is passing to the other side. A definite result on this issue has not been taken. There is need for patience. Because sides have not used their all trump cards yet.''
Asked if he believed a solution would be found by May 1, Talat said, ''a solution which will be found by May 1 will be the best solution protecting rights of Turkish Cypriot people. There is need to work for solution. But I also believe it will be found.''
(EÖ-AÖ) 28.01.2004