MADRID - Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, ``Greece and Greek Cypriots should take the first step about Cyprus.``
Erdogan held a news conference in Spain on Friday after observing a minute of silence in memory of 191 people who were killed in bomb attacks in Madrid on March 11th, 2004.
``In the meetings (in Madrid) we generally took up terrorism and Cyprus issue, as well as Turkey`s EU membership bid,`` said Erdogan.
Erdogan met today Israeli Deputy Premier Shimon Peres, Premier Jean-Claude Juncker of Luxembourg and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
He said that Annan is willing to solve Cyprus problem before October 3rd and went on: ``Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) fulfilled their responsibilities. Now those who have to take steps about the issue are Greece and Greek Cypriot side.``
Erdogan said, ``during my meeting with (SG) Annan, I was pleased to see that Annan share same concerns with Turkey regarding EU`s responsibilities (towards TRNC) like assisting TRNC.``
-TURKEY ASKS FOR A WRITTEN CONFIRMATION-
As regards EU Erdogan said, ``signing adjustment protocol that EU requires does not mean a recognition by Turkey of Greek Cypriot Administration.``
Erdogan added, ``this was earlier mentioned by EU officials, British Premier Tony Blair and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. We think this should also be confirmed in a written manner. We told EU officials that this would speed up the process.`` He added, ``EU officials will discuss this among themselves.``
``Turkey does not slowed down its integration process to the EU. We have discussed this issue during the meetings and I am pleased that there is a consensus between Turkey and our European interlocutors,`` noted Erdogan. -ISRAEL`S WITHDRAWAL PLAN-
Erdogan said, ``during my meeting with Peres, we exchanged views regarding Middle East peace process.``
Sources said that Peres informed Erdogan regarding the withdrawal plan of Israel from Gaza.
Peres told Erdogan that Turkey should undertake an active role in reconstruction of Gaza as well as by investing in infrastructure projects. ``This will be an important contribution to the peace process``, he said.
Following the news conference, Erdogan departed from Madrid.