ANKARA - U.S. State Department`s Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston said on Wednesday that he was encouraged about reaching a solution in Cyprus especially following his meetings in Ankara.
Following his meeting with Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Weston told reporters that he and Gul made a comprehensive evaluations about the current stage of Cyprus issue.
Weston said that he saw a very constructive atmosphere and approach in Turkey towards reaching a common solution in the island before May 1.
Stressing the commitment of his country to a settlement in Cyprus, Weston said that he was returning to his country being encouraged about reaching a solution in Cyprus after his meetings in the island, Athens and especially Ankara.
Weston met with Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Baki Ilkin before his meeting with Gul.
Meanwhile, sources quoted Weston as saying in his meeting with Gul that the United States was aware of sincere efforts of Turkish side in reaching a lasting solution in Cyprus.
Diplomatic sources quoted Weston as also saying that he had a very constructive and positive meeting with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas and he had no problems in his meetings with Turkish side.
Weston said that the process was difficult and he was aware of importance of the date ``May 1.``
Thomas Weston expressed his wish to reach a solution in Cyprus talks in the first stage. Weston also wished that sides would leave fewest issues to the ``quartet meeting`` if a solution could not be reached in the first stage.
Turkish side exerted sincere efforts for a solution but underlined that there were some sine qua non conditions.
Turkish side also stated that the other side should also show good will.
Sources said that who wanted a solution and who did not would be seen unless a solution could not be reached till May 1.
The sources noted that officials conveyed Weston the message that embargo on TRNC should be lifted and TRNC people should feel more relieved in case a settlement could not be reached by May 1.
(BRC) 03.03.2004