Turkish FM seeks Russian support to end TRNC’s isolation

Speaking afterwards, Lavrov said that he shared Gul’s view that the TRNC’s isolation should be brought to an end. For his part, Gul said that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan should present a report to the UN Security Council urging an end to the isolation. Touching on Turkish-Russian relations, Gul stated that ties between the two countries were growing every day. Asked about whether Ankara had a backup plan if it fails to get a date from the European Union this December to begin accession talks, Gul said that there was no such plan. “We want to begin accession talks in December, since the EU made this decision back in 2002 [to decide at that time],” said Gul. “The EU said it would begin accession talks with Ankara in 2004 after we fulfill the Copenhagen criteria.” Touching on Israel’s recent attacks in Palestinian territory, Gul said, “We strongly condemn Israel. Peace cannot be achieved through such attacks.” Asked about whether the attacks would affect Turkish-Israeli relations, Gul said that they would in fact be felt throughout the region, adding, “They will certainly damage our bilateral relations.” In related news, the Foreign Ministry yesterday urged Israel to end its military operations in Palestine.