Any delays in the negotiations aimed at finding a solution to the division of Cyprus cannot be legitimized, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said Saturday.

Davutoğlu said Turkey's stance on the North Cyprus issue was clear and it wanted a “comprehensive and lasting" peace on the island. Negotiations should continue without interruption, he said.

The negotiation process has become quicker since Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat presented a proposal package in January, the minister said. "This package showed that the Turkish Cypriot party is eager to find a solution to the question."

Nonetheless, he said, "Negotiations should be more intensified."

Regarding the Greek Cypriot parliament's decision that said no guarantees would be accepted, the minister said this decision showed there was a lack of good intentions on the southern side, arguing this was against the nature of the negotiations.

"If peace is wanted on the island, negotiations must be intensified. Everyone should do what he or she can for peace," he said
 

HurriyetDailyNews