President Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday (5 July) received European Greens Group headed by MEP Monica Frassoni.

Speaking during the meeting, Co-President of European Greens Group Monica Frassoni stated that Greens Group had been interested in the Cyprus problem and efforts towards a solution for a long time.

Pointing out that although no progress was achieved towards the solution of the Cyprus problem, they were still motivated in finding methods for dialogue between the two sides, Frassoni said: “Because, we believe that the whole island has entered the EU, therefore the necessary steps should be taken in order to overcome the difficulties”.

Stressing that the dialogue between Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides should be improved and fall into shape, Frassoni said there should be a planning in order to accelerate the solution, although a final solution might not be found tomorrow.

For his part, member of the European Greens Group Cem Ozdemir noted that from the beginning they favored the reunification of the island on the basis of the Annan plan and they were by the side of everyone who supported this view.

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriots should not feel alone, Ozdemir said the lifting of the isolation was one of the most important issues for them. He explained that they were continuing their studies in the European Parliament in this direction and their efforts to lift all kinds of embargoes would continue.

Cem Ozdemir drew attention to the fact that those, who were playing for time, only served the division of the island.

President Mehmet Ali Talat, for his part stated that Turkish Cypriot side while on one hand was spending efforts for the lifting of the isolation; on the other hand it was doing its utmost for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Pointing out that the lifting of the isolation was not their final aim, President Talat said the Turkish Cypriot side continuously stressed that the lifting of the isolation could not replace a solution.