PRESIDENT TALAT: “THE TARGET IS A PERMANENT PEACE AND A COMPREHENSIVE SETTLEMENT”

President Mehmet Ali Talat underlined that there will be intensive efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and stated that the target is a permanent peace and a comprehensive settlement.

Talat said that there will be need for contributions especially during full-fledged negotiations, and added that cooperation with all the dynamic segments of the community will be necessary.

Speaking during a meeting yesterday (24 March) President Talat gave information about the current political situation in Cyprus. Pointing out that the 8 July process had turned into a total vicious circle Talat said that former Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos continuously blocked the process with delaying tactics.

President stated that since a new situation emerged following the presidential elections in South Cyprus, there will be intensive efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

“Day-to-day issues will be discussed. This will be a kind of work, which will eliminate the problems the two peoples face. This will also give way to opportunities of cooperation. And, of course, there will be a brief preparation period, which will lead to negotiations on the substance of the Cyprus issue”, said President Talat.

Talat added that in order to reach a permanent peace and a comprehensive settlement legal arrangements in all the areas were necessary.

Responding to the questions of the reporters, President Talat said for the opening of Lokmacý gate (Ledra Street), the two sides should get technically prepared for seriously demining the area and destroying the booby traps in the region.

Explaining that this process would be carried out by the UN, President said the UN officials are expected to meet with the authorities of the Turkish Cypriot military on this issue and that on the other hand the creaky buildings which are dangerous for pedestrian crossings would be restored. Adding that the restoration of the buildings would be undertaken by Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot municipalities Talat said the two mayors would meet soon on the issue.

Meanwhile, in line with the agreement reached by President Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias during their meeting on 21 March, the senior aides of the two leaders yesterday (24 March) met to discuss the setting up of a number of working groups and technical committees and establish their agendas.

Presidential Spokesperson Hasan Ercakica speaking following the meeting between the Advisers of President Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Christofias; Ozdil Nami and Yorgos Yakovu yesterday, said the formation of technical committees and working groups were discussed during the meeting.

 

TRNC BECOMES AN OBSERVER MEMBER TO ISESCO

AVCI: “THE OIC AND ITS INSTITUTIONS HAVE REITERATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE LIFTING OF THE ISOLATION”

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has been accepted as an observer member of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), which is one of most important institutions of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý in a statement on the issue pointed out that the TRNC has been accepted as an observer member of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on 19 March 2008 in response to its formal application to become a member.

Foreign Minister Avcý said that the decision was another proof of the support being given to the Turkish Cypriot People by the OIC and its institutions towards ending its isolation and helping it to take its rightful place in the international community.

Avcý said this positive development was undoubtedly the result of the Foreign Ministry’s efforts for improving the relations with the OIC and its institutions.

Continuing Foreign Minister Avcý said:

“Our country’s membership to the ISESCO, which was established in 1982 with the aim of improving the relations amongst Islamic countries in the fields of education, science, culture and communication, is very important in terms of effectively promoting Turkish Cypriot cultural heritage and the education opportunities in the TRNC in around 60 countries. Besides this, our country will be able actively to participate in international events to be organized by the ISESCO in the fields of environment and education and carry out joint events and projects”.