British Ambassador Says They Have Been Disappointed By The Lack Of E.U. Efforts To Lift The Isolation Of Northern Cyprus

ANKARA (AA) - British Ambassador in Ankara Peter Westmacott has stated that Britain has been disappointed by the lack of EU efforts to lift the isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
     Participating in a meeting chaired by NTV Chief Editor Murat Akgun and sponsored by the British Council in Ankara, Westmacott indicated that Britain wishes for a comprehensive solution in Cyprus.
     Westmacott commented that all initiatives on Cyprus must take place under the United Nations' roof. One of the problems we are facing before October 3rd is the lack of a solution in Cyprus. The political dispute should not constitute a barrier for Turkey's negotiations, told Westmacott.
     Westmacott mentioned he does not see any problems with the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement.
     Westmacott expressed that, regardless of who wins the elections in Britain, there will not be a change in British policy towards Turkey. We want the beginning of accession talks to be a successful event for Britain's term presidency, stressed Westmacott.
     Participating in the meeting via live conference system, Turkey's Ambassador in London Akin Alptuna stated that there is no problem with the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement and that the parties are waiting for the EU to complete its procedures on the protocol.
     Asked if there will be a last minute surprise before October 3rd, Alptuna indicated that ''there should not be any surprises.''
     According to Alptuna, there are no problems as far as the criteria is concerned. There are some political problems that have no direct relation to the criteria. We may face some difficulty. Yet we will try to overcome these problems through diplomacy,'' mentioned Alptuna.
     (SOL-A֩
2005-05-05