ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday that Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) fulfilled its responsibility with the Cyprus draft it approved, and stated that the draft passed unanimously.
Gul held a press conference following the 31st Session of the Islamic Conference of the Foreign Ministers.
Replying to a question, Gul said Cyprus draft was approved unanimously and that thus the Islamic countries did not remain indifferent to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Gul said with the draft, TRNC would be represented at the OIC under the name of ''Turkish Cypriot State'' again having observer status.
Asked about upgrading the status in the future, Gul said, ''I can not know what will happen.''
Gul stated that status of TRNC in OIC was upgraded from community to state, ''we hope those efforts will not be misunderstood.''
Replying to another question, Gul said OIC made a general call to end the isolation of TRNC.
Gul said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whom he met this morning, told him that they considered the embargo on TRNC as wrong and that they would promote Russian companies for business facilities.
Gul said Sudanese foreign minister also planned to go to TRNC.
(AY-AÖ) 16.06.2004