Putin says isolation of Turkish Cypriots “not fair”

NTV television, Istanbul
11 Jan 05

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he supports the efforts of
the UN secretary-general and the Annan Plan in connection with the
solution of the Cyprus problem.

On the second day of his Moscow visit, together with Putin, Prime
Minister Erdogan called on businessmen. Pointing out that bilateral
relations have reached the level of multilateral partnership, Erdogan
expressed support for Russia’s membership in the World Trade
Organization. Putin, in turn, said that the volume of bilateral trade
can be increased to 15bn dollars, adding that political dialogue lies
at the bottom of commercial and economic partnership.

The Cyprus problem was also on Putin’s agenda. Noting that the
developments pertaining to Cyprus were discussed, Putin expressed
support for the efforts of the UN secretary-general and the Annan
Plan. The isolation imposed on the [self-declared] Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus is not fair, the Russian president stressed, adding
that the matter is sensitive and one must act delicately. Putin also
remarked that Russia’s stand with regard to the report to be submitted
to the UN Security Council will depend on the document to be submitted
to the council.

In reply to a question, Putin also commented on the Armenian
issue. Pointing out that Russia could act as a mediator or a guarantor
with regard to Armenia’s problems with Azerbaijan and Turkey, Putin
said: We are ready to do our utmost.