Shall I Hang Myself at Ataturk Square?

Speaking to Sunday Times of Southern Cyprus, Talat said that Greek Cypriot leader Tasos Papadopulous did all he can, to prevent direct trade between Europe and the Turkish Cypriot State and "The ball is in the Greek Cypriot court and they are sitting on it."

About the existence of Turkish troops in the island, he said, "Why should we send them back? If Greek Cypriot would have said Yes (To the Annan Plan which foresaw settlement in Cyprus), these troops would be gone."

Talat added that he desired a united Cyprus. About Turkey’s admitting Greek Cypriots to its customs union, he said, "This happened out of the need, not of the consent of Turkey."