Turkish Cypriot leader hopes referenda by end of 2009 or early 2010

Hurriyet Daily News with wires

Turkish Cypriots also hope to finish second round by end-July and start a give-and-take process in September, talat told at a conference in Istanbul's Kadir Has University. 

"We contemplate such a timetable," he was quoted by Anatolian Agency as saying. "We know that the international community and the United Nations are positive on such a timetable. Greek Cypriots do not object to it but they also do not voice it," he added.

Cyprus peace talks, which were interrupted when Greek Cypriots rejected a United Nations plan for solution of the Cyprus issue in the twin referendums held in 2004, resumed in last September.

The two leaders have so far completed discussions on the issues of administration and power sharing, property and the EU affairs.

"Administration and power sharing were the major causes of Cyprus problem, however, both sides achieved a significant rapprochement on these topics excluding execution," Talat said.

"As we achieved a progress in the area of the major problem, I believe there is no reason to complete talks successfully," he added.