BRUSSELS - The Turkish Cypriot president on Wednesday called on the Greek Cypriot leader to speak to himself, not to the press.
President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) asked Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias to make his demands to himself, not make them public through the press when there was a hope for a comprehensive solution to Cyprus problem.
"I could not convince him, and this will make negotiations more difficult and harm bi-communal relations," Talat said during a meeting at a think-tank named European Policy Center in the Belgian capital of Brussels.
Talat expressed his hope to get results from full-fledged talks with determination and good will even though the two parties had different views.
Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders will launch comprehensive negotiations, aiming to find a solution to Cyprus problem.
"A settlement should not take a long time," Talat said and expressed his view that the leaders should set a target to conclude talks, like the end of 2008 or July 2009--when elections for the European Parliament would take place.
Talat underlined importance of not making any concessions of political equality, and expressed his expectation from the European Union (EU) to encourage the Greek Cypriot administration for a solution.
"All Turkish institutions are supporting a solution. Turkish Cypriots will not accept any settlement if it does not include the support and guarantee of Turkey," he also said.
Talat also said that TRNC was backing a reduction in the current number of troops in the island in case of a peace deal.
The 1960 founder treaties foresaw a symbolic force in Cyprus, including 650 Turkish and 950 Greek soldiers.
Talat, who met European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn and permanent representatives of some EU member state, will return to TRNC later on Wednesday.
(BRC-MS)
(DIP)