ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News


Had Turkish troops signed an agreement and left the island after the initial intervention in 1974 "there would be no Cyprus issue today" said Mehmet Ali Talat northern Cypriot President in remarks published Friday.

Vatan newspaper ran an interview with Talat evaluating the situation on the island while everyone is debating whether the discussions between the two communities will resume again on June 21.

Talat said had the Turkish troops signed a treaty and left after the initial intervention in 1974 “there would be no Cyprus issue today.” But he admitted “I am not sure if they could have been able to do that considering the realities of the day because the Greek side would have had to have been ready as well.”

On the issue of the Justice and Development Party's closure case Talat expressed concern “If there is instability in Turaaa we are in trouble... not just economically but also politically. When Turaaa is unstable we cannot move forward” adding “I want the problem to be solved as soon as possible.”