FM Abdullah Gul yesterday traveled to the US

Before his departure, Gul commented on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas’ recent statement pointing to the fact that finding a settlement to the Cyprus issue by May 1 would be difficult. He said, “Everybody knows that it was a difficult period, however, theTurkish side, for its part, would do everything to reach a solution.” Regarding Greek officials’ critics about Turkish approach on the Cyprus issue, Gul said that Turkish side’s stance was very clear and definite. Concerning Ankara’s desire for a new mediator, the foreign minister said that the person should be trustable and an important one with political power.