LEFKOSA - President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Thursday that he hoped a settlement could be reached on Cyprus issue till the end of 2008.
In an exclusive interview with A.A, President Mehmet Ali Talat of TRNC said that he felt optimistic about the latest process initiated in Cyprus by himself and the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias.
Noting that former Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos` stance did not consent to any improvement on the Cyprus issue, Talat said, "the situation has changed now. However, we should not forget that Mr. Christofias is carrying the history on his shoulders as well".
Talat said that the comprehensive negotiation process would be initiated with the meeting he would hold with Christofias on Friday.
"Our target is to reach a solution shortly. I am not talking about a process that will take months or years. I think this can be achieved till the end of 2008," Talat said.
Commenting on whether the political developments in Turkey would affect the process in Cyprus, Talat said all positive and negative developments in Turkey would have an impact on TRNC.
"However, this does not mean that a negative development in Turkey would have a direct effect on TRNC. This is a separate country. Developments may have reflections as Turkey is the only country that directly supports us," Talat said.
Upon a question on the discussions regarding the issue of "single sovereignty" on which Talat and Christofias reached a consensus, Talat said, "we are carrying out a new policy. It is quite natural for those who believe that `deadlock is a solution` to criticize us".
Noting that there was a "single sovereignty and citizenship" understanding in the Annan plan as well, Talat said that the Annan plan referred to a "common sovereignty" which envisaged the equal participation of both parties.
Talat said the implementation and details of such issue would be discussed during the comprehensive negotiations.
Upon a question, Talat also said that a solution that might be developed by himself and Christofias would be carried to referendum just like the Annan plan.
(DO-AÖ)
(DIP)