Turkish government spokesman says government at equal distance to all Turk Cyprus candidates

Speaking to reporters following Council of Ministers meeting, Cicek said Turkey's policy on the Cyprus issue did not depend on individuals.

Referring to the remarks of Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat who said that the Justice and Development (AK) Party's Cyprus policy would come to an end, should he fail to get reelected in the upcoming election, Cicek said Turkey stood at an equal distance to all candidates.

"Turkey is ready to work with the president who would be elected by TRNC people. Thus, Turkey's support is not to the individuals but to the Turkish Cypriot people and the policies carried out there," he added.

"Parameters of this have earlier been announced. Turkey favors continuation of a fair and permanent peace in line with the U.N. parameters," Cicek said.

Asked to comment on the resolution regarding incidents of 1915 expected to be discussed at the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States House of Representatives on March 4, Cicek said, "Turkey and the United States are two important ally countries. We share the history of the past 50-60 years. Adoption of such kind of a resolution will harm Turkish-U.S. relations. I think members of the committee will consider this."

"Separately, there is an initiative carried out both by Turkey and Armenia to restore peace and stability in the Caucasus. Any negative decision will have a negative impact on this. Turkey hopes that commonsense will prevail. Turkey has brought this matter on to the agenda in every level and continue to do so," he said.


/World Bulletin/