"I Hope Opportunity Not To Be Missed In Cyprus Again," Turkish President

ANKARA - The Turkish president said on Friday that he hoped the opportunity thrown away in Cyprus with the referendum in 2004 would not be missed again.

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Dervis Eroglu of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in Ankara, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said a great opportunity was missed in the island when Greek Cypriots voted "No" at the 2004 referendum.

"Now the negotiations started again and Mr. Eroglu continues to hold talks in a positive and constructive manner. This should be perceived well by the Greek Cypriot party and the whole world. Everybody should fulfill their responsibilities in order not to throw away this opportunity again," Gul said.

Noting that negotiations in Cyprus could not last forever, Gul said he hoped the peace talks would be concluded in 2010.

President Dervis Eroglu of TRNC arrived in Ankara on a formal visit on Friday.

Turkish President Gul welcomed Eroglu with a formal ceremony at Cankaya Presidential Palace. The two presidents later held a tete-a-tete meeting and co-chaired meetings between delegations.

Within the scope of his visit to Ankara, Eroglu is also scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.