ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has stated that, in case of a new step is taken (by Greek Cypriots), Turkey is ready to start negotiation for a lasting peace, in Cyprus.
In a joint press conference with his Tunisian counterpart Abdelbaki Hermassi at his residence, Gul replied to a question reminding him on recent comments made by the Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos who said 'now is not the right time to start negotiations with Turkey on the island's future'.
''I am surprised...apparently, the leader of Greek Cypriots has begun to talk on behalf of the European Union. There is a lot the EU must learn from such a situation. Everything will go on as decided at the Brussels summit,'' remarked Gul.
Gul stressed that Turkey will continue efforts for a lasting solution (on the island). ''If there is a party that must take a step, it is the Greek Cypriots. They are the ones who have shocked the world, rejected the UN plan, replied with a 'NO' to all the EU calls and put the EU in a difficult position. If the Greek Cypriots reverse their past attitude and prove to the world that they are willing to take a new step, Turkey is always ready to start negotiations for a lasting peace,'' told Gul.
-TURKISH-TUNISIAN RELATIONS-
Referring to Turkish-Tunisian commercial relations, Gul said that the trade volume between the two countries exceeded 300 million USD. ''The Free Trade Agreement signed with Tunisia has helped our economic ties to develop'' he said.
On the other hand Hermassi noted that, as two countries in the Europe-Mediterranean region, cooperation among Turkey and Tunisia is crucial from the point of view of regional stability and peace.
''We share the same view with Turkey about safeguarding Iraq's territorial integrity. The recent Iraqi elections are a positive step for the future of Iraq,'' said Hermassi.
Hermassi also congratulated the Turkish government for its reforms that led to a decision by the EU to start entry negotiations (on October 3rd).