Cyprus-Forum.com

[insan]

Gul: Turkey Is Ready To Start Negotiation For A Lasting Peace
Anadolu Agency: 2/8/2005
ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has stated that, in case of a new step is taken (by Greek Cypriots), Turkey is ready to start negotiation for a lasting peace, in Cyprus.

In a joint press conference with his Tunisian counterpart Abdelbaki Hermassi at his residence, Gul replied to a question reminding him on recent comments made by the Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos who said 'now is not the right time to start negotiations with Turkey on the island's future'.

''I am surprised...apparently, the leader of Greek Cypriots has begun to talk on behalf of the European Union. There is a lot the EU must learn from such a situation. Everything will go on as decided at the Brussels summit,'' remarked Gul.

Gul stressed that Turkey will continue efforts for a lasting solution (on the island). ''If there is a party that must take a step, it is the Greek Cypriots. They are the ones who have shocked the world, rejected the UN plan, replied with a 'NO' to all the EU calls and put the EU in a difficult position. If the Greek Cypriots reverse their past attitude and prove to the world that they are willing to take a new step, Turkey is always ready to start negotiations for a lasting peace,'' told Gul.

[brother]

Means nothing unless tassos gets off his backside and wants to negotiate a solution, tassos and solution in one sentance