by halil » Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:37 pm
The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace this afternoon.
In a short statement, Mr Bryza called his meeting with the President constructive and added that ways the United States can be helpful to the process were discussed during the meeting.
‘We don’t have any intention of imposing ourselves or forcing anyone to do anything they don’t wish to do’ he said.
Noting that the settlement of the Cyprus problem would serve the interest of all parties, Mr Bryza welcomed the agreement reached between the two sides on the opening of the Yesilirmak gate, which he described as a courageous step.
He said he believed that the agreement on the opening of the Yesilirmak crossing point has provided new energy and enthusiasm for the two sides and created a renewed sense of optimism that the process is moving forward.
Noting that there is still a lot of work to be done, he said
`obviously there are some philosophical differences but hopefully this new energy that we feel with the opening of the crossing point will be reflected in the talks and the leaders hopefully finalize an agreement by the end of the year`.
Later, the US deputy-Assistant secretary met with Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.
Prior to his meeting with President Talat, Mr Bryza also held discussions with the President’s Special Representative for talks with the UN and the EU Ozdil Nami.
Earlier in the day, the US deputy Assistant Secretary met with George Iacovou – an aide to the Greek Cypriot Leader Dimitris Christofias.
Nami and Iacovou have been holding discussions in support of the direct talks being held between Talat and Christofias. Mr Bryza will meet Christofias tomorrow.