In a letter written to the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, before he presents his Cyprus report to the UN Security Council next week, TRNC Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat called upon Annan to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The full text of Prime Minister Talat’s letter is as follows:

“I would like to express my profound appreciation for your continuing valuable efforts in the search for a just solution to the Cyprus Problem and to convey my respect and admiration for your impartial stance.

I need hardly remind, Your Excellency, the hardship suffered by the Turkish Cypriot people as a result of unjust isolation policies imposed by the international community. It is imperative that in your forthcoming report to the UN Security Council a clear call is made to the Member States to help put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people. This shall be a historical contribution towards efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement in the near future. Because it will restore the confidence of the Turkish Cypriot people in the international community. It will go a long way to alleviating the deep-felt injustice treatment we have had to endure. Furthermore, the counter-productive effects of the isolation policies shall be eradicated and a positive contribution towards building bridges of confidence with the Greek Cypriot side shall be put into operation.

We attach great importance to the European Union and the positive role it can assume in helping the two parties in Cyprus to solve the Cyprus Problem. A direct reference to the European Union in your report encouraging a more accommodating stance towards the Turkish Cypriot party shall contribute to convincing the European Union to play a more positive role to end the isolation of our people.

The historical moment has arrived for, Your Excellency, to take an unprecedented step in declaring to the world that the Greek Cypriot party does not represent the Turkish Cypriot people. I am sure you will consider this action as a positive contribution to solving the Cyprus Problem. I urge you on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people to take this course of action.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration”.