LEFKOSA - Hasan Ercakica, spokesman for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Presidency, said on Tuesday that the report of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has objective and realistic assessments.
Speaking at a weekly press conference, Ercakica noted that the report says "2008 will be vital to find a solution to Cyprus problem", adding that TRNC agrees with this.
Ercakica said that within that framework, TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat met Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos on September 5th and presented a document --which aims to settle Cyprus problem before 2008-- however, Greek Cypriot administration has not responded to this proposal.
Ercakica said, "UN Secretary General Ki-moon stated that only willing to find solution to Cyprus question is not enough and it is necessary to deploy concrete efforts. This is important too."
"We suggest talks must start immediately to solve Cyprus problem," Ercakica added.
Noting that Ki-moon stressed the importance of lifting isolations on TRNC, Ercakica said, "TRNC stated that lifting isolations does not mean a political recognition."
Ercakica noted that Ki-moon stated that lifting isolations will make unification of the island easier.