ANKARA - Justice Minister and Government Spokesman Cemil Cicek said on Monday that Turkey expected the New Democracy Party which won the elections in Greece to assume a constructive approach about Cyprus issue.
Speaking in a news conference after the Council of Ministers meeting, Cicek said that important developments took place in foreign policy and one of the most important developments was the elections in Greece.
Cicek said that the cabinet also discussed the elections held in Greece, adding ''certainly New Democracy Party's winning the elections in Greece is directly related to Cyprus issue because according to the negotiation method in Cyprus talks, if the two sides can't reach agreement within a certain period of time, guarantor states Turkey and Greece will take part in the process. The negotiations will be held among four sides. As the elections were held in Greece yesterday, the formation of the parliament, foundation of the government and its getting vote of confidence will take a certain period of time. We expect the New Democracy Party government to consider with good will the solution of Cyprus issue, to show a constructive attitude and to contribute positively to the process. We hope that this process can be to the interest of two sides and it can help in installation of a lasting peace on the island.''
When asked if Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan phoned New Democracy Party leader Costas Karamanlis, who won the elections, Cicek said that ''no, they had a phone conversation earlier. Our assessment today is particularly about Cyprus issue because the process goes on and time is getting less. We expect their positive contributions.''
(Öª-AÖ) 08.03.2004