Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý also evaluating the meeting pointed out that the meeting was very fruitful following President Talat’s briefing that he gave in the first extraordinary Parliament meeting last week.

Within the framework of his contacts, Avcý will also visit TRNC Embassy in Ankara and appear in live TV programs as well as having interviews with television channels and newspapers.

Presidential Spokesman Mr. Hasan Ercakica has stated that the Greek Cypriot leaders are not acting in accordance with their own statements during which they have established the idea of developing common interests.

At the weekly press conference, Presidential Spokesman Mr. Hasan Ercakica referred to the statement made by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Mr. Yiorgos Lillikas during his visit to Slovenia, in which he said “Developing common interest means combination of the efforts of the two communities to protect their common interests. Otherwise, developing our interests individually will definitely lead us to the division of the island”.

Spokesman Ercakica said that the Greek Cypriot leaders deem everything that is beneficial for the Turkish Cypriots as bad which purports that developing common interests is impossible.

Spokesman Ercakica also reminded that the Greek Cypriot leadership is striving to isolate the Turkish Cypriots in every aspect of life and to prevent them from benefiting both on economical and social levels.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to cooperate with the Greek Cypriot side in any field and to promote the common interests that will be developed Spokesman Ercakica said “The most significant issue we can cooperate on with the Greek Cypriot side is the settlement of the Cyprus Issue”.

Spokesman Ercakica also added that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to negotiate and settle the issues complicating the daily lives of both peoples in technical committees until a settlement is reached, as envisaged by the UN in February 2006.

Presidential Spokesman Mr. Hasan Ercakica said that the development in the international relations of the Turkish Cypriot side is encouraging.

Spokesman Ercakica expressed that the established contacts are providing the required opportunity to convey the rightful cause of the Turkish Cypriots and their desire to reach a settlement, via negotiations, that is acceptable to both sides.

Spokesman Ercakica also underlined that increasing frequency of contacts is an indication of the fact that the peace and settlement policy employed by the Turkish Cypriots is being acknowledged.

Responding to NTV’s questions, Linden pointed out that settlement was necessary in Cyprus and would serve the interests of all parties, however first of all the EU should keep its promises.

Linden added that Turkey had also responsibilities on the Cyprus issue which would be solved under the UN’s framework and with the contributions of the EU.

Stressing the importance of the lifting of the isolation, Linden said it was time for the EU to support the Turkish Cypriots on this issue.

Referring to a recent public opinion survey carried out in the TRNC, Linden evaluating its result showing that the 65% of people wanted a separate state, said: “If the public opinion believe that reaching a common future has become more difficult, it will be much more difficult to act jointly. Both sides should be aware that a divided Cyprus would be big mistake. If sides spend effort towards reaching a settlement, this would be for the benefit of future generations.”