I’m Finished with Discussions if Opposition Wins

In related news, during a meeting with TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu in Ankara, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul gave the message that the embargo imposed on the TRNC by the European Union would be lifted.

Saying that the embargo must be lifted in a meaningful way, Gul stated: "I’m assured that developments concerning that are under consideration. Although the statements at present are not completely satisfactory, there is something behind them. We will continue to closely monitor [the situation]."

It has been pointed out that due to the expectations of the Turkish Cypriots, very few adverse reactions have been voiced about the present economic package for the TRNC being prepared by the EU. The Greek press reported that the positive expectations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been boosted. Brussels, taking into account the uneasiness of the Turkish Cypriots, is reportedly working on changes to the economic package. The idea has been put forward that if the expression "appropriate authorities" — indicating the body that will approve commercial documents — could be interpreted as EU authorities, numerous problems would be overcome, leaving undecided only the matter of which port would be used for exportation.

Foreign News Services / Istanbul / TURKEY