World Bulletin/News Desk

A critical period has started in the representation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) at the European Parliament (EP).

President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz met with TRNC parliamentarians Ozdil Nami, Mehmet Tancer and Teberruken Ulucay to discuss the representation issue as well as the solution process. 

Following the meeting which was closed to press, Turkish Cypriot parliamentarians told reporters that they conveyed TRNC's rightful demands for the country's representation at the EP, adding that the issue would be discussed at the EP in coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Schulz held a meeting with EU Commissioner for enlargement Stefan Fule. According to EU sources, Fule told Schulz that the Commission was positive about TRNC's representation.

Annan Plan, which was accepted by TRNC but rejected by Greek Cypriot administration, envisaged to give 4 of 6 seats --reserved for the island-- to Greek Cypriots and the remaining 2 to Turkish Cypriots. However, EP remained silent towards Greek Cypriots, who continued to occupy two seats reserved for Turkish Cypriots, and this left the solution efforts inconclusive.