LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said on Monday that Greek Cypriot side put forward its views under a comprehensive frame in today's session of negotiations and stated it was decided to form a committee to carry out studies on some issues. Talat added, ''we will see on Tuesday or Wednesday the point that will be reached.''
Following his meeting with Thomas Weston, the special coordinator of the U.S. State Department for Cyprus, Talat told reporters that Weston and he discussed negotiations aiming at finding a solution to Cyprus issue in the meeting. Talat said that it was understood that the United States' interest in Cyprus issue would continue and stated, ''we explained our views on the issue.''
''It was decided that a committee will be formed to carry out studies on some issues during our meeting with Greek Cypriot side on Monday. On Tuesday or Wednesday, we will see the point that will be reached on this issue. But, issues are still being put on the table. Greek Cypriot side put forward its views under a comprehensive frame today, but we have not find the opportunity to examine those views yet. Greek Cypriot side put forward its demands under titles or as general descriptions. We have not found time to examine them yet,'' he noted.
Stating that Weston and he exchanged views on course of negotiations in the meeting, Talat said, ''we explained once again issues which we consider very important and which should be changed. Naturally, we asked support of the United States on this issue.''
Talat said that they were trying to see the picture which would appear after the document which was given by Greek Cypriot side on Monday and noted that they would examine everything in the document. He added that they were determined not to leave any gap to U.N. Secretary General.
Replying to a question on his view about statement of Weston who said that the side saying ''no'' in referendum would pay political cost of it, Talat said that he also made a similar statement a week ago and added that he agreed with Weston.
Stating that the side which would say 'no' in referendum would take a heavy burden, Talat said that Turkish Cypriot people did not want to get such a heavy burden.
(EÖ-AÖ) 01.03.2004