Turkish FM says Cyprus issue delay can't be legitimated

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Saturday any delay could not be legitimated regarding the negotiations aiming to find a solution to the Cyprus issue.

Davutoglu and Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic had a meeting over breakfast and held a joint press conference in Ankara.

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

Davutoglu said after Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat presented a package of proposal in January, the negotiation process has speeded up. "This package showed that Turkish Cypriot party is eager to find a solution to the question," he said.

"Negotiations should be intensified more," he said.

Regarding the Greek Cypriot parliament's decision which said guarantees would not be accepted, Davutoglu said this decision showed there was lack of good intention in the Greek Cypriot side and it was against the nature of negotiations.

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

Replying to a question on news stories which said the United States did not welcome Turkey's proposals on a conflict regarding Iran's nuclear program, Davutoglu said, "Some news stories which claimed that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton denied Turkey's proposals are not accurate. Turkey did not offer anything."

"We hope that a diplomatic solution will be found on the matter. All efforts are for regional and global peace," he said.

In his part, Jeremic said Davutoglu and he discussed what Turkish Airlines and Serbian Airlines could do together in the meeting.

Free trade agreement which would be approved by the Turkish parliament soon would help relations between Turkey and Serbia boost.

/World Bulletin/