LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said on Wednesday that there was no change in Turkey`s attitude towards solution of Cyprus issue.
Talat told reporters that they were working in detail on issues as a necessity of the course of negotiations.
The issue of derogation had not been solved yet and was still on their agenda, Talat said.
Talat noted that therefore, they had invited the ambassadors of European Union (EU) member countries to a meeting in the following week.
TRNC Prime Minister Talat pointed out that they would more clearly express demands of Turkish side in that meeting and ask for support of the ambassadors.
Their aim was to make the best arrangement and get the best result in the given deadline, Talat said.
Talat stated that the process was not so easy due to the intention of the Greek Cypriot side to make use of some advantages.
The Greek Cypriot side wished to solve Cyprus issue after May 1, Talat said.
Therefore, Talat pointed out, two sides could not start a take and give process in negotiations yet.
Talat said that stance of Turkish side was more positive.
Stating that they wanted peace and solution, Talat said that they were working to reach that aim and hoped to succeed in their efforts.
Talat noted that European Union (EU) adjustment works continued intensively, adding that he would hold on Thursday a meeting with Leopold Maurer, who headed the EU delegation in membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side.
(BRC) 03.03.2004