USA TO START TRADE WITH TRNC
Yesterday (21 February 2006) the Washington Times daily
reported that, within the framework of easing the Turkish Cypriots
isolation, who voted 'yes' for the island's reunification in the
referendum based on the Annan Plan, the USA was preparing to engage in
direct trade with the Turkish Cypriots.
The Spokesman for the US Secretary of State, Adam
Ereli, verified that the USA would start direct trade with the TRNC and
said: "You know our policy on North Cyprus. We are seeking ways of
eliminating the economic isolations imposed on the North. There are a
number of steps we've taken".
In his article, Nicholas Kralev wrote that the USA was
engaging in efforts to start direct trade with the Turkish Cypriots.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Washington Times, an
official from the US State Department said: "In order to facilitate direct
trade, the USA will provide direct aid". The daily also added that the USA
was preparing to take steps, which the Greek Cypriot administration
opposed to on the pretext that this would lead to the gradual recognition
of the TRNC. Another official from the US State Department also stated
that the US government and companies were still carrying out joint studies
with the Turkish Cypriots towards upgrading to world standards the
potential of Turkish Cypriot exporters. According to the USA the best way
to reunite the island passed through easing North Cyprus' isolation.
Continuing, the official said: "To facilitate direct
trade we are providing direct aid. The economic gap between the North and
South is still very large. We need to reduce this gap in order to reunite
the island". The daily also reminded that Washington and London had called
for permission to be given for direct trade with the TRNC, but that the
Greek Cypriot administration wanted goods produced in the North to be
exported from the ports in the South.
