LEFKOSA - Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has said that they expected the steps proposed in Cyprus report that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan presented to the UN Security Council to be taken.
Talat received U.S. Ambassador to Greek Cypriot side Michael Klosson on Friday in his Prime Ministry Office.
Klosson who visited Talat for the second time said that U.S. government welcomed Annan's report.
Klosson said it was an impartial report based on realities and they supported also the report's conclusion and recommendations including the recommendation that proposed cooperation with UN members in lifting restrictions and barriers to save Turkish Cypriots from isolation.
Meanwhile, Talat said that he agreed with Klosson, adding that the report was ''realistic''.
Noting that Annan's report defined real developments during the process, Talat said, ''besides, we appreciate the Secretary General's recommendations that unjust isolation of Turkish Cypriots is no more valid. It is a very important and positive statement for us and the case of Turkish Cypriots.''
Stressing that Turkish Cypriots should be no more punished with isolation and other restrictions, Talat said, ''Turkish Cypriots proved in the referendum that they are in favor of unification and voted for reunification of the island and integration with the world, which should be appreciated.''
Noting that Annan's report confirmed this reality and it also fairly criticized negative stances during the process, Talat said, ''now, we expect the steps proposed by the Secretary General to be taken.''
Talat added that their efforts were under way and he hoped positive developments would start in light of Annan's report.
(MS-AÖ) 04.06.2004