Turkey's State Minister Egemen Bagis, who is also the chief negotiator for European Union (EU) talks, said that Turkey was attaching great importance to maintaining the Cyprus talks process by President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

"Therefore, whatever the outcome of the general elections in Cyprus is, Mr. Talat should go on the talks because this is very important to show that Turks favor peace," Bagis said during his meeting with TRNC Foreign Minister Turgay Avci.

Bagis is actually visiting TRNC, and is scheduled to be received by TRNC Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer.

The Turkish minister said that some circles in Europe were in an effort to show Turkey and TRNC as quarrelsome circles that were against peace and order.

"However, Mr. President's continuing this process with the support of not only TRNC but also Turkish governments will be the best proof that we welcome a settlement and peace," Bagis said.

Cyprus talks, which was interrupted when Greek Cypriots rejected a United Nations (UN) plan (Annan plan for solution of the Cyprus issue) in the twin referendums held on April 24, 2004, resumed in September 11, 2008 following the victory of Demetris Christofias, AKEL chairman, in the presidential election held in Greek Cypriot part of the island.

Talat and Christofias had 25 meetings so far.


AA

Güncelleme Tarihi: 16 Nisan 2009, 12:17