Speaking in Istanbul after a meeting with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül, Mr. Straw said proposals made by Mr. Gül on Monday to solve the Cyprus problem were “very worthwhile and must be followed up as soon as possible”.
He said he would be briefing UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and EU commissioner Olli Rehn on his visit to Cyprus and Turkey.
Branding Mr. Gül’s proposals “most appropriate and well received by the UN, the EU and my own country”, he said the lifting of the obstacles was in everyone’s interest.
Stressing the importance of a just and lasting overall solution in Cyprus, he said the Turkish proposals should be considered very carefully.
He said both Turkey and the EU had responsibilities for a solution in Cyprus, and added: “The isolation of the Turkish Cypriots must end and they must be integrated into Europe.”
Before flying to Istanbul, the British diplomat had met briefly with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo?an.
Commenting on the meeting with Mr. Straw in Ankara, Mr. Gül said they had had “a very fruitful working lunch”.
Mr. Gül said: “Mr. Straw’s visit to the TRNC was highly appreciated and it truly reflects his courage.”
“There have been a number of criticisms, but we believe that he did what was right.” |
