ANKARA - Cemil Cicek, Turkish Government Spokesman, (also State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister) said on Monday that Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) wanted problems in the island to be solved soon.
"There are two separate states, communities, democracies and equal peoples there (Cyprus)," Cicek said in a press conference following Council of Ministers meeting.
Cicek said the visit of TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat to Turkey was also discussed during the meeting. He said there was an expectancy in the international community that Cyprus issue will be brought back to agenda in 2008 in the aftermath of the elections in Greek Cypriot side.
Cicek said, "both Turkey and TRNC exerted efforts to find a permanent solution to the issue. Of course this has rules and parameters. Annan Plan, which was prepared by the United Nations, was accepted by the Turkish party and rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. It is known that negotiations will resume this year. Mr. Talat paid a visit to Turkey for an assessment."
-TALABANI'S VISIT-
Recalling that Iraqi President Talabani had paid a visit to Turkey accompanied by 5 ministers, Cicek said, "naturally, terrorism is one of the main problems with Iraq. We know that the terrorist organization, causing uneasiness in Turkey, takes shelter and gets logistic support from there (north of Iraq). This is a fact accepted by the whole world."
"This issue was discussed comprehensively during the meetings. Terrorist organization was stated as an element poisoning relations between Iraq and Turkey. Both parties expressed will towards a tangible cooperation on this issue."
"Unfortunately, terrorism is a factor impeding improvement of relations between Turkey and Iraq. The parties have discussed what could be done to boost relations with Turkey and Iraq," Cicek remarked.
(AY)