“We want the help of international bodies, especially the United Nations,” Talat said, adding that for the first time there were two leaders in Cyprus who really wanted to solve the problem. He said it was necessary to evaluate this situation in the most favorable way possible.
Saying he had wanted a bi-zonal solution with two societies based on politically equal status in Cyprus from the beginning, Talat added that his aim is to achieve a complete solution as soon as possible. Noting that he and Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias were continuing to hold intensive talks to reunify the divided island, Talat urged Christofias to keep his promises and show the same level of determination to solve the conflict as he had.
Talat said the Turkish government is lending its full support to reaching a solution in Cyprus, adding that he has been in continuous contact with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Talat noted that they also needed the help of Greece to achieve a lasting solution and peace.
Stressing that Turkey’s full membership in the European Union was very important for the KKTC, Talat said Spain fully supports Turkey’s EU membership and that Spanish leaders could also play an important role in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. Pointing to the economic embargoes imposed upon the KKTC, Talat said the Turkish Cypriots supported a solution but lacked confidence and were disappointed as the EU failed to keep its promises to the KKTC with respect to economic assistance.
Talat was expected to have talks with various Spanish officials, including former Spanish Foreign Minister Marcelino Oreja. President Talat also met with Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos over lunch on Friday.
