ANKARA (AA) - President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Friday that Turkish Cypriots' willingness to settle Cyprus problem continued.
Talat, TRNC Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, TRNC Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas met Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc in Ankara the same day.
Arinc said that the relations between Turkey and TRNC would continue within mutual understanding and solidarity.
Reminding of his meeting with U.S. congressmen delegation who also went to the TRNC, Arinc said that ''we hope this concern of the United States could constitute a step for lifting the isolation and blockade on the TRNC. We hope the EU and the European Parliament also send delegations to the TRNC. The Turkish parliament will do its utmost for reaching a fair and lasting settlement for the TRNC on the island.''
TRNC President Talat said in his part that Turkish Cypriots would continue to be in close cooperation with all institutions of Turkey.
Inviting Turkish Parliament Speaker Arinc to the TRNC, Talat said that ''the willingness of Turkish Cypriots to resolve the Cyprus issue continues, but life also continues. We want lifting of the blockade on Turkish Cypriots as soon as possible. We deem it necessary to facilitate the lives of Turkish Cypriots and encourage the settlement of Cyprus issue. We act in common with the Turkish government and all of its institutions.''
''We must and are in close consultation with Turkey, and such meetings between Turkey and the TRNC will continue both in the technical and political level here in Ankara and in Lefkosa. We deem it essential for pursuing our common Cyprus policy,'' Talat said.
(֓-MS)
2005-06-03