LEFKOSA - Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Tuesday that Greek Cypriots had been continuing modernization of their missiles to increase their range while Cyprus talks were under way, adding, ''it is a funny and pitiable situation.''
Noting that they had asked Greek Cypriot side about the issue during today's meeting but they couldn't get an answer, Talat said, ''it is a funny and pitiable situation. But unfortunately, it is the situation. I asked about it, but I couldn't get an answer. I will continue asking what their purpose is. I suppose that the whole world observes this situation.''
Replying to questions of reporters, Talat said that Greek Cypriot side was also trying to register electors through a notice in newspapers for European Parliament elections in June while negotiations aiming to find a solution to the Cyprus issue were underway, stressing that it was an attitude which might cause hopelessness and anger in the Turkish Cypriot side.
Noting that the Greek Cypriot side was at a point which could not understand the Turkish side's position, Talat said, ''we target solution until May 1. European Parliament elections will be held in June. They are trying to register electors through notices in newspapers. However, we will join the elections in June in the way envisaged by the agreement if it is reached by May. This should be taken into consideration and respected. Such an attitude which may cause Turkish Cypriots to give up hope and get angry should not have been displayed. However, Greek Cypriots did it.''
Replying a question, Talat said that sides would express their opinions and there would be a tough bargaining.
Stressing that they had been carrying out their struggle in diplomatic field and in cooperation with Turkey, Talat said, ''as the Turkish Cypriot side, we sit at the negotiation table with good will. We have a quite constructive stance.''
(MS-AÖ) 24.02.2004