Anadolu Ajansi (Anatolia Agncy) Turkey
Sept 18 2009

Turkish minister says Turkey’s position on Cyprus talks " constructive"

Ankara, 18 September: Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on
Friday [18 September] that Turkey could not be expected to take a step
that would affect the nature of the talks, as comprehensive talks were
under way in Cyprus.

"Turkey assumes a constructive stance on Cyprus issue. Turkey does its
best for the talks to reach a comprehensive solution. It is the EU,
not Turkey which is on the eve of a critical decision," Davutoglu told
the private CNN Turk channel.

"It was Turkey and the [self-declared] Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC) that wanted peace in 2004, so nobody has the right to
say that Turkey and TRNC hindered peace," Davutoglu said.

Turkish foreign minister said it was again Turkish party, led by TRNC
President Mehmet Ali Talat, that was willing for peace in the period
that started with Greek Cypriot leader Dhimitrios Khristofias.

"Forty-two meetings were held so far. It is Turkish party that wants
to boost the talks. Mr Talat will talk to UN secretary-general during
UN General Assembly. Turkish party insists on this meeting to be
tripartite. Greek Cypriots oppose this. Accusing Turkey and trying to
push Turkish-EU relations into a new crisis can not be explained with
good will," he said.

Davutoglu underlined that clashes in the Caucasus were not in the
benefit of anybody, noting that Turkey-Armenia border was closed,
Azerbaijan’s territories were under occupation and there was ethnical
tension among the groups in Georgia.

Davutoglu said Turkey took a step for a comprehensive normalization in
the region, while responding to a question when Turkey-Armenian border
would be opened.

"I hope this will happen soon. If the related parties, including the
Minsk group, unite all their energies, not only Turkey-Armenian border
but also the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan can also be
opened," Davutoglu said.