ANKARA - Thomas Weston, the special coordinator of the U.S. State Department for Cyprus, met on Wednesday with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Chief Advisor for Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu.
Weston said that such a positive atmosphere existed for the first time in Cyprus and added that Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides could overcome disagreements in some issues.
Davutoglu explained some difficulties which Turkey saw in Cyprus issue. He said that Greek Cypriot side had a relaxed manner as it would become the member of the European Union (EU) on May 1. Noting that this was not positive for the psychology of talks, Davutoglu said that relaxed manner of Greek side would make recording a progress difficult.
Davutoglu wanted Weston to warn Greek Cypriot side about their using the tactic of gaining time.
Noting that the more problems were solved in Cyprus talks the less issues would remain for quartet summit which Greece and Turkey would also attend, Davutoglu said that if much progress was made in quartet summit, the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan would have less work to do and the Plan would be accepted in the referendum more easily. He recalled that quartet summit would coincide with an important period when new government would be formed and would receive vote of confidence in Greece and local elections would be held in Turkey.
Davutoglu said that Turkey wanted the United States to undertake a facilitating role regarding Cyprus issue, but noted that talks were continuing in Cyprus at the moment and that they have not reached a stage which necessitated the inclusion of the United States.
Noting that peace in Cyprus was important not only for Turkey and Greece, but also for international public opinion, Davutoglu said that everybody should undertake responsibilities, not only Turkey.
Weston said that they were aware of good will and efforts of Turkish side and added that there was a general conviction on the issue.
Davutoglu stressed that Turkey was expecting positive contribution of the United States.
Davutoglu said that the efforts of the United States and Turkey provided progress, and added that Turkey was expecting the joint effort on that issue to continue.
Davutoglu said that no visit from Turkey to Greece has been paid for 18 years in prime ministry level and added that Erdogan could pay a visit to Greece within friendship relations that Turkey wanted to establish especially with neighboring countries and other countries.
Davutoglu said that cooperation with Greece could always be made and direct contact of Erdogan could be positive for Cyprus talks.
(GC-AY-AÖ) 03.03.2004