LEFKOSA - Leaders and officials of political parties in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Greek Cypriot side met at Ledra Palas Hotel at buffer zone on Wednesday.
Leaders and officials expressed their hope that United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan would call for resumption of Cyprus talks as soon as possible in order to reach a solution in Cyprus before May 1.
Leaders and officials of five parties from TRNC and eight from the Greek Cypriot side attended the meeting.
Slovakian Ambassador in Greek Cypriot side Jan Varso read out the common statement of the sides after the meeting.
Varso said that leaders and officials of political parties in TRNC and Greek Cypriot side exchanged views about possibility of solution of Cyprus issue.
The politicians expressed their hope that Annan would call for resumption of talks to solve the issue before May 1, 2004.
Next meeting of the political parties in TRNC and Greek Cypriot side will be held on March 1.
Peace and Democracy Movement (BDH) leader Mustafa Akinci told reporters following the meeting that Annan should insist on his stance which would help hold a referendum in two sides after completing talks in a certain date.
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) deputy Ozdil Nami said that how sincere the Greek Cypriots were could be seen after negotiations were resumed.
Democrat Party (DP) official responsible for foreign relations said that compromising attitude of CTP-DP coalition government and Turkish government helped record significant progress in reaching a lasting peace in Cyprus.
(BRC) 28.01.2004