Gul: Failing To Exert Efforts For A Lasting Solution On Cyprus Is To Hide Problem Behind Door

IZMIR - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Sunday that Cyprus question should be solved in a fair way and in line with rights and laws. He said, ''failing to exert efforts to find a lasting solution on Cyprus, is to hide the problem behind the door.''
Speaking at a meeting in Aegean Izmir Province, Gul said continuation of problems in Cyprus would be beneficial for neither Turkey nor Turkish Cypriots.
Pointing out that they could not lead anywhere in Cyprus with rhetoric of heroism, Gul said many investors, mainly Cypriots living in Britain and Turks would start to make investments in the island after solution of Cyprus question.
Gul said a lasting solution should be found in Cyprus.
Foreign Minister Gul said, ''talks continue between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides. Turkey exerted extreme efforts to initiate the talks. We hope a compromise will be reached between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides.''
Gul said, ''in case a solution can not be reached between the two sides, then Turkey and Greece will participate in talks. First the foreign ministers and later the prime ministers will negotiate. Later, U.N. Secretary General will join the talks.''
(AY-AÖ) 15.03.2004