ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul expressed thought on Wednesday that United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan could start Cyprus talks in coming days if he saw any positive atmosphere in the Greek Cypriot side.
Prior to his departure for Brussels, Gul told reporters that Cyprus summit held at the Prime Ministry was very fruitful.
When he was recalled that February 15 was mentioned a date to resume Cyprus talks, Gul said, ''I guess the Secretary General can start talks in case he sees any positive mood in the Greek Cypriot side.''
Gul noted that Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas would be in Cyprus talks.
Turkey was consulting with Denktas and other TRNC officials from the outset, Gul stated.
Gul said, ''Denktas and TRNC had big contribution to the current situation.''
Turkey and TRNC would maintain that position, Gul pointed out.
Gul went on saying, ''we hope talks will be started with initiative of the Secretary General and a lasting solution will be reached taking into consideration facts of the island and taking Annan plan as reference.''
When he was recalled about the news that Annan had four conditions to resume talks and Turkey had accepted them, Gul said, ''many things are said like there are four or five conditions. What is important is that TRNC has done everything it can to resume talks and it has taken the most positive steps.''
Gul noted, ''all these steps are taken in consultation. If talks are resumed, efforts will be exerted to make this plan acceptable. Undoubtedly, Denktas will be in the talks.''
Stating that everybody was doing the best he/she could do for the issue, Gul said that it was a consultation process.
(BRC-AÖ) 05.02.2004