LEFKOSA (AA) - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat has said, ''I may visit the United States soon or after summer.''
Speaking on TRNC's Bayrak television channel on Tuesday, Talat said, ''U.S. officials also mentioned about my visit to the United States. I will pay this visit very soon or after summer.''
Talat said, ''Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan will ask the United States to lift isolation of TRNC and start direct flights to TRNC during his meetings in that country. I believe direct flights from the United States to TRNC will certainly start and this development will force Greek Cypriots to take a step.''
''As the United States is a super power, its attitude is very important. U.S. step to lift isolation of TRNC will certainly be followed by other countries as well, and this will affect Greek Cypriots,'' he added.
Talat said, ''we will more actively exert efforts regarding the lifting of isolation and we will ask other countries to be more determined in this issue. Isolation is being lifted slowly. Visit of U.S. Congressmen to TRNC is an example.''
''The EU also tries to take steps for lifting of isolation. The EU insists on adoption of financial and free trade regulations together. EU representative attended a technical meeting in Brussels and the meeting has ended today, but it can be held again,'' said Talat.
Talat noted, ''resumption of Cyprus talks is related with response of Greek Cypriots to demands of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Annan will not appoint a permanent representative to Cyprus and he believes that necessary milieu does not exist for a new initiative.''
2005-06-07