Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-10-27

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Prime Minister stated that Russia is sending a group of businessmen to the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus and that he will ask Germany to do the same.

[02] US State Department spokesman stated that Talats visit to Washington will create an opportunity for finding a solution based on the Annan Plan.

[03] Allegations that Talats telephone is being tapped.

[04] Ali Erel said that the Turkish Cypriot side insists on the two EU regulations being implemented together.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Prime Minister stated that Russia is sending a group of businessmen to the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus and that he will ask Germany to do the same

In an interview he gave to Mr Murat Yetkin, Mr Erdogan stated, inter alia, that they will reach a decision on whether or not they will take the Customs Union Additional Protocol to the National Assembly. "When we take it, we will also take the declaration and then the EU will take its own declaration, he said.

Responding to the Republican Peoples Party (CHP) Chairman, Mr Deniz Baykal's remarks to the effect that Cyprus is going away whether it wants to or not, Erdogan said: I do not take much notice of Mr Deniz. He does not say anything serious. Cyprus finally has a place in the world. Mehmet Ali Talat is holding meetings with the United States and the world Investments have begun in northern Cyprus. Are these not strengthening northern Cyprus?

Mr Erdogan also added the following: Russia is sending a group of businessmen to the island in the beginning of November. I talked on the phone with the honorable Putin. I talked to (former German Chancellor Gerhard) Schroeder about sending a German group to Cyprus. We will also talk to (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel about this issue. We will also demand her support in this regard. Currently (UN Secretary-General Kofi) Annan is taking an initiative. We should see the results of his initiative."

[02] US State Department spokesman stated that Talats visit to Washington will create an opportunity for finding a solution based on the Annan Plan

Mr Ereli added that the US State Department was always in close contact with Mr Talat.

Speaking during a press conference in Washington, the US State Department spokesman Ereli said the following: We will learn the views of the Turkish Cypriots from Mr Talat and the visit will create an opportunity for us to discuss issues concerning our joint objective of bringing about a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan Plan.

Pointing to the fact that Washingtons policy on Cyprus has not changed and that it continues to support a solution based on the Annan Plan, Mr Ereli called on the political leadership of both sides on the island to work seriously towards the resumption of the negotiations process.

[03] Allegations that Talats telephone is being tapped

[04] Ali Erel said that the Turkish Cypriot side insists on the two EU regulations being implemented together

Mr Erel said that the Financial Aid and Direct Trade regulations, which were proposed by the European Commission to ease the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community, must be decoupled and that Turkish Cypriots should immediately accept the Financial Aid regulation and use it without loosing any more time.

Mr Erel added that funds from the Financial Aid regulation can be used in many ways to benefit the Turkish Cypriots.

(DPs)

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