Talat urges speedier Cyprus negotiations

Hürriyet Daily News with wires

Speaking to the Associated Press on Wednesday after meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, Talat also criticized rival Greek Cypriots for not accepting a timetable for the open-ended talks. Talat said he remains optimistic about the talks but that both leaders "have to work hard." Talat and Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias restarted stalled reunification talks in September but have yet to make a breakthrough.

"Turkish Cypriots are having difficulties conveying their views to the EU and therefore, such occasions are important for us," Talat told reporters after the meeting. Talat said that he shared similar views with Stubb about finding a comprehensive settlement and making a united Cyprus a full member of the EU in the shortest possible time.

"This is our final target, and I hope we will reach a final result in the ongoing [Cyprus] negotiations," he said. He said Finland was one of the leading countries that backed Turkey's EU membership bid and that Finland also supported a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

The Turkish Cypriot president said Finland had two roles and emphasized the country’s importance. "Also, Finland may be helpful in settling the Cyprus problem thanks to its objectivity in international matters," he added. Talat emphasized the importance of accurately informing Finland about the reunification process.