Talat Tells US: Take Serious Steps against Embargo

Prime Minister Talat discussed TRNC’s wishes with US Assistant Undersecretary of State Laura Kennedy over lunch yesterday in Adres restaurant in Girne. US Ambassador to Cyprus Micheal Klosson, Embassy Cyprus Chief Ann Hall and Nicosia Turkish Mayor Kutlay Erk also participated in the lunch.

Laura Kennedy spoke with journalists and mentioned that this was her first time in Cyprus and that she liked it very much. However, she did not know much about the Cyprus issue and she hoped to become better informed by meeting with the sides in person. Kennedy said that she would discuss TRNC’s requests withi Talat, and also talk with the Greek-Cypriots about their opinions after the referendum.

Prime Minister Talat repeated his demand to open Ercan Airport to international flights. When Greek journalists asked about the new American weapons that appeared in the Peace and Freedom Festival parade on July 20, Talat replied that the weapons were not new and it did not matter from which country they came.

Asked why he rejected Papadopulos’ suggestion, TRNC Prime Minister Talat said, "I do not care about measures package. I do not take it seriously." He said that the Greeks’ suggestions to change the agenda did not give anything to the Turks, did not provide them with representation rights in the international area and did not grant opportunities for free trade. Talat reminded that the agenda on the island was not military tension, but the removal of isolation and resolving the problem.

Talat rebuked the Greek journalists’ statement that ‘Turkish troops occupy the island’, saying, "There is no such thing. Like the entire world knows, the reason for the Turkish troops’ existence here is obvious."