LEFKOSA - Premier Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) met European Union (EU)-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) Co-Chairman Joost Lagendijk on Saturday.
Lagendijk said that Greek Cypriot side should now give up preventing the implementation of direct trade and financial assistance regulations which is prepared by European Commission for TRNC. I clearly express this view to Greek Cypriot officials, he added.
The EU is responsible for not implementing these regulations for one year and EU's approach in this issue cannot be defended, he said.
''I do not want to see Turkish Cypriots under isolation. I would like to see them at European Parliament. However, it is important to settle a united Cyprus on the basis of Annan Plan. A progress has not been recorded yet about this issue. I hope there will be a development soon,'' he noted.
Lagendijk said that if Greek Cypriots convey the change they want on Annan Plan, negotiations may start on the basis of Annan Plan. EU cannot continue with a divided island, he noted.
Meanwhile, Talat said, ''Lagendijk shows the EU policy clearly. I share some of his views. It is necessary to find a solution to Cyprus question, otherwise a progress cannot be recorded. It is like a chess game. It is necessary to plan the next step.''
''Relations with the EU should be pursued with mutual understanding. Otherwise, a progress cannot be recorded,'' he added.
Talat noted, ''rights of Turkish Cypriot people and the position of Turkey are very important.''