E.U. Should Convince Its Own Member To End Cyprus Problem, Talat

LEFKOSA- President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Thursday that European Union (EU) should persuade its own member to put an end to Cyprus problem.
Speaking to reporters aboard the plane while traveling to Sweden upon an invitation from Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Talat said Greek Cypriot side was a member of the European Union but lacked motivation regarding solution to Cyprus question.

Talat will inform Bildt about the latest stage reached in Cyprus talks aiming at finding a permanent solution and will ask the EU to motivate Greek Cypriot party for a solution.

Talat said, "Bildt is very important as the foreign minister of a country that is closely interested in Cyprus question and which will assume the rotating presidency of EU in the second half of the year.

Talat said Turkey's EU accession would be reviewed at the end of this year, noting that, "Greek Cypriot side cannot prevent Turkey's way on its own. Sweden's mission is very important as some other countries prefer to use Cyprus trump card."

TRNC President Talat will proceed from Sweden to France on Friday, and meet United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in the French capital.

Talat is expected to return to TRNC on Saturday.

Also, Talat's meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias scheduled for Thursday was delayed due to Talat's visit to Sweden and France.

Talat was to meet Christofias at the buffer zone in Cyprus for the 25th time within the scope of comprehensive talks aiming to find a solution to Cyprus problem.

Talat's envoy Ozdil Nami said that the Cypriot leaders were expected to meet on April 10.