The United Nations Undersecretary for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe who arrived in Cyprus on Monday was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday morning (17 June) at the Presidential Palace.

Speaking following the meeting President Talat stated that he had conveyed the concerns and problems of the Turkish Cypriot side and received positive responses.

Pointing out that his meeting with Pascoe was very fruitful, President Talat said he found the opportunity to convey the Turkish Cypriot sides’ worries, concerns and views regarding the ongoing process.

He also said he got the impression that the UN’s position regarding the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people has not changed.

Reiterating the Turkish Cypriot side’s willingness and commitment towards finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, the President said they will continue to work to that end within the framework agreed upon at the May 23^rd meeting.

For his part, the UN Undersecretary Pascoe stated that he had comprehensive and fruitful meeting with President Talat during which he listened to the Turkish Cypriot side’s demands and expectations from the ongoing process on the island.

Pointing out that the UN was optimistic about the ongoing process to find a solution to the Cyprus problem the UN Envoy reaffirmed the UN’s support to reaching a political settlement on the island.

Stating that promising developments were taking place on the island, the UN Political Affairs Undersecretary said that they had high hopes for a settlement.

During his visit to the island, Pascoe visited President Talat two times. Following the second meeting, President Talat told the reporters that he and Pascoe were continuing to meet on the Cyprus problem and that Pascoe had informed him about his impressions after meeting with Greek Cypriot authorities.

Explaining that Pascoe has not yet set a date for a meeting between him and Christofias, President Talat said he was eager to meet Chistofias as soon as possible.

The Martyr Lieutenant Caner Gonyeli-2008 Search-and-Rescue exercise has started today (18 June). The exercise will be carried out in international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean sea and in TRNC’s territorial waters with the participation of civil and military personnel from Turkish and Turkish Cypriot research and rescue organizations.

The press briefing was held at the Bođaz Headquarters of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces today by the Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Major General Mehmet Eröz. Eröz pointed out that the exercise is an internal training for search and rescue units, where Turkey’s and TRNC’s means and efficiency on humanitarian aid will also be tested.

Stating that the unilateral military exercises carried out and unilateral agreements signed by the Greek Cypriot administration were against the international law and invalid, Eröz stressed that Turkey would take all the necessary measures for proving her determination on protecting her rights stemming from international law including to carry out trainings and exercises in the required regions.