Ankara welcomes progress in Cyprus talks

Turkey has welcomed progress made in unification negotiations in the lead-up to upcoming presidential elections in the northern part of the divided island of Cyprus.

“The joint statement is very positive. The Turkish side has always pursued a pro-active policy. Negotiations should continue after the elections,” Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu told reporters Thursday, referring to a statement made Tuesday by Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias.

The two Cypriot leaders held their last meeting March 30 before breaking for northern Cyprus’ April 18 elections and agreed to make a statement to their respective communities. Talat gave an account of the progress in the peace talks to the Turkish Cypriot public on Thursday.

Hürriyet Daily News

02.04.2010