ISTANBUL - Turkey should establish relations with the Greek Cypriot side in the minimum level, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said on Saturday.
Talat, who returned from his visits to Brussels and Strasbourg, told reporters at Istanbul`s Ataturk Airport, ``Turkey should establish relations with the Greek Cypriot side as the Republic of Cyprus in the minimum level at this moment.``
``There has been such a relationship in the minimum level. That is, there were some relations in international meetings and sports events. After Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union (EU), these relations will further develop,`` Talat said.
Talat noted that development of relations between Turkey and the Greek Cypriot side was unavoidable and added, ``because, the Greek Cypriot side is an EU member with the title `Republic of Cyprus.` Turkey has signed customs union deal with the EU. It is an EU candidate and expecting a date to start negotiations with the EU. What is right is to take sensible steps which won`t harm our interests and rights in Cyprus. Therefore, it is obvious that Turkey should take steps. There is no other alternative because, Turkey is a world state. And, a world state should comply with the world law.``
TRNC Prime Minister Talat met with EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen, European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) President Luzius Wildhaber and Council of Europe (COE) representatives.
The EU plans to open an office in TRNC to help use of assistance extended to Turkish Cypriots and to help harmonization steps.
TRNC is planning to open a Greek Cypriot school in Karpaz till the next school year.
After majority of its people voted in favor of United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan`s plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, TRNC expects the international community to lift embargoes and end isolation of its people.
(BRC) 13.06.2004