PM Erdogan insist on settlement in Cyprus
"And we say that we shall sit at the table for negotiations. Let us sit at the table in such a manner that, let us words be less, but full of essence and power. Whether the other side comes to the table or not comes, is not our concern. But we have very strong dynamics here.
"In my talks with President Denktas, PM Talat and his deputy Serdar Denktas that we are right in our negotiation theses and can sit at the table for negotiations, at this moment. "
"And what are our irreversible conditions and rejections? Let us put all these aside. Let us first sit at the table. Is Southern Cyprus saying yes in many issues? No it is not. If it says No, then it will desert the table."
"We have accepted the good-willed mission of Annan. We agree on that.
We said that we can accept the Annan Plan as a reference. We informed Mr.Annan of this acceptance, in Davos."
"We also told Annan that, whatever their formulations are, let the Greek Cypriot section display these. If they are convinced, TRNC will take one step more. This is our thesis now. Let us first see their approach. Everyone, from our president to the armed forces, are in this matter and are spending efforts.
Speaking at the Turkish House in New york, Erdogan answered questions and addressed Turks. He said that he was in an effort to make his visit ot U.S., one of action.
Calling on Turks in U.S. to carry out lobbying here, he also advised them to play an active role in local politics.
About comments by Turks on the Armenian genocide claims, Erdogan said "We are not envisaging a policy of defense, but one of offense."
Refusing to comment on the genocide claims, he said "If you are weak, they will cut many dresses for you: but if you are strong, all these claims will remove."
ABOUT IRAQ
Erdogan said that , when U.S. asked for Turkish base Incirlik to rotate troops, Turkey had extended help. "All our problem is to have life in Iraq resume normal," he said.
On the tension between Israel and Syria, Erdogan said that, Turkey was asked to mediate between these, and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul will take initiatives soon. On the demands of Kurds for an ethnic federation in Iraq, Erdogan said that "We do not approve a federation on ethnicity or sect. These will put Iraq in a very difficult position in the future. "
CRITIC TO GREEK CYPRIOT PATRIARCH
Erdogan had a half-an-hour talk with Greek Patriarch in U.S. and criticized the Greek Cypriot Patriarch, saying that "The Greek Cypriot Church is not helping the peace process in Cyprus as much as it is needed, to the contrary it makes provocative statements and damages the process."
