President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Saturday that the Cyprus issue could be and should be solved until the end of 2009.

Talat arrived in Istanbul from France, after completing his talks with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Commenting on his meeting with Bildt, Talat said he had quite fruitful talks with the Swedish foreign minister, during which he had the chance to explain TRNC's stance on the solution of Cyprus issue.

Talat also said that the latest situation in Cyprus problem was discussed during his meeting with the UN head. "We have expressed during the meeting that we desired UN to play a more active role in the process," he said.

Upon a question on UN SG's reaction to such request, Talat said Ban Ki-moon listened to his remarks, rather than expressing his own opinion.

Commenting on whether Cyprus issue could be solved this year, Talat said, "there is no reason for not concluding this matter. Cyprus issue can be and should be solved until the end of 2009".

After replying to questions, Talat and the accompanying delegation proceeded to TRNC.

Upon his arrival at Ercan airport, Talat briefed the Turkish Cypriot press on his recent talks as well.

Talat said the European Union (EU) had made a promise to make the necessary "adaptation" regarding the solution to be found in Cyprus.

"If EU does not make such an adjustment, it will hamper the solution process with its own hands," Talat said.


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Güncelleme Tarihi: 05 Nisan 2009, 14:27