Gul Meets Annan, Addresses the U.N.

While discussing the Cyprus issue, former Cyprus Special Envoy Alvaro De Soto was also present.

Gul made it clear that the Turkish side expected an acceleration of developments in the Cyprus talks following the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) December elections.

In his address to the U.N. General Assembly, Gul said that a new era has begun in Iraq and that stability was very important for the country and the region.

Regarding Cyprus, Gul stressed the need for a solution based on ‘equal status’ for both sides on the island, and said that it was necessary to lift all embargos on the TRNC.

Gul added that the Greek Cypriot side should contribute positively to the negotiations rather than attempt to take advantage of unilateral accession to the European Union (EU).

On the subject of Nagorno-Karabakh, Gul called upon Armenia to comply with all U.N. resolutions so that a solution may be found for the conflict.