ANKARA (AA) - U.S. House of Representatives Member Edward Whitfield has indicated today (Wednesday) that his delegation will propose some new ideas to the American administration to help lift the international isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
After holding talks in the TRNC yesterday, the U.S. delegation visited Rifat Hisarciklioglu, Chairman of the Union of Turkish Chambers & Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) today. The meeting at TOBB was closed to the press.
Upon completion of the meeting at TOBB, Whitfield told reporters that the 4th working group between Turkey and the U.S. has been formed, showing the importance given to Turkey by the American administration.
Whitfield stated that his visit to the TRNC was ''very exciting.'' We have made a symbolic statement to help lift the international isolation of Northern Cyprus, said Whitfield.
Whitfield expressed that the goal of the 4th working group will be to increase the trade volume between the two countries.
According to Whitfield, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the U.S. in the first week of June will contribute to relations. There may be differences of opinion between friends; however, mutual visits may help overcome differences, noted Whitfield.
Meanwhile, TOBB Chairman Hisarciklioglu indicated that Whitfield and his delegation's visit to the TRNC was very important. ''The U.S. Congress members chose to enter TRNC via the Ercan Airport. This behavior will help end the unfair isolation the Turkish Cypriots are facing,'' mentioned Hisarciklioglu.
Hisarciklioglu added that the U.S. delegation's visit to TRNC will end the economic isolation and will contribute to integrate the TRNC with the rest of the world.
(SOL-A֩
2005-06-01