Turkish Cypriot President Says Settlement Is A Need For Greek Cypriots Too

LEFKOSA - President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said Thursday that settlement of Cyprus issue was a need, not only for Turkish Cypriots but also for Greek Cypriots.
Turkish Cypriot President Talat met with Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias earlier in the day to start reunification negotiations in the divided Mediterranean island, after a ceremonial launch of negotiations on September 3rd.
"Considering recent developments in the world, some developments, that Greek Cypriots fear, could come to the fore. That`s why, I think, their need or desire for a solution could be stimulated," said Talat referring to Kosovo, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Talat and Christofias started negotiations with discussions on how a proposed federation would be governed, taking up the issue of administration and power sharing. The two leaders will continue negotiations on September 18th with the same topics on the table.
"Political equality is of vital importance for Turkish Cypriots," Talat told TRT2, Turkey`s state-run TV channel.
He said political equality was a requirement in administration and power sharing issues.
"We have reached some common grounds in today`s talks," Talat said but did not elaborate.
Turkish Cypriot President also said that Greek Cypriot concerns over Turkey`s guarantor status in the island was "not a real concern."
(TÇ-DO)
(DIP)