Turkey expects objective Cyprus report from Annan

Annan is expected to present his report next week to the Security Council, which is to issue a resolution a few weeks after Annan’s presentation.

Annan’s plan to reunite the island on the basis of a loose federation failed after the Greek Cypriots voted against it in an April 24 referendum. More than 60 percent of Turkish Cypriots voted for the plan.

Following the collapse of the plan, the island joined the EU divided, with membership benefits applying only to the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot side.

"We expect the U.N. secretary-general’s report to present an objective assessment and to acknowledge the positive and constructive attitude of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side in the solution process," Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan told reporters.

In an effort to reward the Turkish Cypriots, the EU has announced a package of measures to ease the passage of Turkish Cypriot goods through the Green Line that divides the island, but Turkey and Turkish Cypriot authorities said the measures were insufficient.

Tan said Turkey expected concrete steps in the direction of the elimination of the "unjust embargo and isolation" of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC).

KKTC Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat visited the United States last week for critical talks with Secretary of State Colin Powell. U.S. officials have agreed on a set of measures to help end the isolation of the KKTC by introducing direct flights to Turkish Cyprus and offering direct aid, according to news reports.