BERLIN - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Sunday that Turkey took a bold step on Cyprus issue.
Arinc who is currently in Germany as the official guest of German Federal Parliament Speaker Wolfgang Thierse, met with representatives of Turkish associations.
Speaking about Cyprus question, Arinc said Turkey took a bold step on Cyprus issue, stating that, ''we see that a new horizon has been opened after the Turkish side voted 'yes' and the Greek Cypriot side voted 'no' in the referendum.''
Arinc said, ''around two months passed after the referendum. People began to say that the intransigent side was not the Turkish Cypriots, but the Greek Cypriots and that punishing Turkish Cypriot side was not right.''
Pointing out that this was a very positive development, Arinc said, ''Turkey acted courageously on Cyprus issue. Results of Cyprus was appreciated in world diplomacy and foreign policy. Political developments in Turkey are given importance. I think one of the most important developments in Turkey is that political stability could be provided after long years.''
Arinc will be received by President Johannes Rau of Germany. Later, he will meet with Berlin State Parliament Speaker Walter Momper.
On June 15, Arinc will meet with CDU/CSU Federal Parliamentary Group Chairman Angel Merkel, Union 90/Greens Federal Parliamentary Group Chairperson Krista Sager and Federal Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Volker Ruhe.
Arinc will meet with Berlin State Prime Minister and Mayor Klaus Wowereit on June 16.
He is scheduled to meet with North Rhine Westphalia State Prime Minister Steinbruck in Germany on June 17.
Arinc is expected to return to Turkey on June 18.
(AY-AÖ) 14.06.2004