LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said on Tuesday that Britain should start direct flights to TRNC.
Talat who returned from London told reporters in TRNC that Britain, which is a guarantor state, had big responsibilities on ending isolation of Turkish Cypriots by starting direct flights to TRNC.
Recalling that the European Union (EU) would announce arrangements on free trade with TRNC on Wednesday, Talat said that he asked Britain to support Turkish Cypriots, during his visit to this country.
He underlined that his visit to London was very fruitful, recalling that he met British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw and Minister for Europe Dennis McShane.
Official invitation from Britain was a signal that isolation of Turkish Cypriots could not go on after Greek Cypriots voted against (U.N. Secretary General Kofi) Annan's plan on Cyprus, he stressed.
Talat said that he explained that Turkish Cypriots did not give up to find a solution to Cyprus problem.
TRNC Prime Minister noted that a study was being made on direct flights to TRNC some time ago, adding that they should start in the near future. He said that many Turkish Cypriots were living in Britain and there was traditional ties between TRNC and the UK.
''I hope that Britain would examine the issue and take necessary steps on the issue'', Talat added.
(EÖ-ULG) 06.07.2004