Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat is continuing his contacts in London.
As part of his contacts, Mr Talat came together with Cyprus Turkish students who are studying in Britain.

Addressing the students, the President said both sides will pay a cost in case of a possible solution however he stated that the important thing is what will be gained in reply to the costs adding that ‘It is worth a solution if gains will be much more’.

Touching upon his meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Mr Talat said Mr Brown told him that he was aware of the progress achieved in the negotiations process so far and they discussed how Britain would contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Referring to the Presidential elections in April, Mr Talat responded to those who accuse him of giving fake hopes to people and stressed that ‘definitely there is a hope’.

Explaining that for the first time at the negotiations process in Cyprus, both sides have agreed on many issues and they gathered issues which they failed to agree in documents, the President said a solution plan which will be better than the Annan Plan would occur when the United Nations begins to play a more active role for the reconciliation on issues which have failed to be agreed on.

‘What is frightening me is that the Greek Cypriot Side is refraining from coming to an agreement by the reason of many factors. The partners of Greek Cypriot Leader Christofias, Greek Cypriot Youths who do not need a solution and afraid of a change and the negative attitude of the Greek Cypriot press are the factors which would divert the Greek Cypriot Administration from the agreement point’ Mr Talat said.

Noting that the negotiations process will be intensified in the new year, the President expressed the belief that important progress would be achieved by the middle of February.