Hurriyet- The Turkish Cypriot leader responded to his counterpart on Monday saying the Greek Cypriots that must prove they want a solution. Christofias had called on the international community to direct its influence towards Ankara to change its policy on Cyprus.
Talat said on Monday "Turkish Cypriots and Turkey are endeavoring to solve the Cyprus problem. It is the Greek Cypriots that must prove that they want a solution in Cyprus," the Anatolian Agency reported.
"Christofias` remarks targeting Turkey help no one only poisoning the atmosphere," Talat said.
"Turkish Cypriots accepted the U.N. resolution plan, widely known as the Annan plan, and demonstrated a determined posture," he said. "Turkey has openly and clearly supported the solution of the Cyprus problem. U.N. Secretary General, in its reports to the U.N. Security Council, has thanked Turkey for its support for a solution in Cyprus," Talat said.
"Mr. Christofias knows that it was the Greek Cypriot side that did not approach a solution in Cyprus," Talat said. "Christofias` accusations against Turkey would carry the Cyprus problem to nowhere and would not help finding a solution in Cyprus," Talat added.
Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias had called on the international community, the U.N., the five permanent members of the Security Council and the EU to turn their attention and direct their influence towards Ankara to change its policy on Cyprus, Greek daily Famagusta Gazette reported on Sunday.
Christofias added "more than ever, we need the international community as far as exerting pressure on Turkey. Because we repeat, once again, that if Turkey does not alter its policy on Cyprus, the road for a solution will not open, in spite of the good will on our side," it reported.
Christofias said although this year there is a more positive political climate, he is aware that things are not effortless and it is not easy to reverse the facts created by the invasion, the occupation and division of the island.
"We note what has been achieved so far in this short period of time," he said, adding "from now on, we have no illusions. We know things are hard. We realize it is not easy at all to reverse the facts created by the Turkish intervention and the division of Cyprus. We know we are not dealing merely with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots," it reported.
Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat are set to begin reunification talks in June after a three-month preparation period. Both have said they would seek a deal to reunify the island "as soon as possible." In a symbolic move a key crossing point was opened in the capital Nicosia.