Gul: Solution in Cyprus must be just

Asked if they were pressing on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas to return to negotiation table, Gul said at a joint press conference with his Greek couterpart George Papandreou,, "this is a decision to be made by Denktas. We encourage him for a pacifist solution on the island. I think that negotiations can resume after the elections in TRNC."

When asked if Turkey accepted Annan plan as a base for negotiations, Gul said, "the plan should satisfy both of the sides and therefore, some changes should be made. We favor a solution which will satisfy the sides. A solution can’t be lasting if it doesn’t satisfy the sides."

Meanwhile, Gul will visit Greek capital Athens on October 21.

Issues expected to be taken up in Athens were debated in New York. These issues include Aegean and air space, cooperation in economy, culture and tourism, confidence-building measures, and regional cooperation in the Balkans and Middle East.

Following their meeting, Turkish and Greek foreign ministers handed over the documents which show that two countries had approved Ottawa Convention on land mines to Canadian Foreign Minister William Graham. The convention is on the Prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of antipersonnel mines and on their destruction.

Cooperation of two countries in 2004 Olympic Games in Greece was also taken up in Gul-Papandreou meeting.

Two ministers stressed that olympic torch could be brought to Greece via Turkey, message of peace could be given in the region and Turkish companies could take part in construction of olympic facilities.