LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Dervis Eroglu, the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is hopeful that U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's visit will "contribute to efforts to find a solution to the ongoing stalemate" in the divided island.
"We had a constructive meeting with Mr. Biden, and declared our expectations from the U.S. regarding accelerating the resolution process," Eroglu told a press conference after the meeting.
He underlined that Biden did not come to the island "with a plan in his back pocket," but "to help get a solution, not to present or impose one," referring to the vice president's remarks Wednesday ahead of a meeting with the Greek Cypriot administration.
The Turkish Cypriot government favors a fair solution, and is ready to sign such an agreement, Eroglu said, adding that the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is also expected to visit the island.
Biden stressed Wednesday the importance of the joint statement signed February 11, which restarted peace talks between the parties after a two-year hiatus.
"Peace is always possible, but it requires engagement not just from leaders but from citizens. In that respect, I am encouraged to hear of the joint initiative from Cypriot political, civic and business leaders," he said.
Biden met with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiadis earlier in the day. No statement was given after the meeting.
The island of Cyprus has remained divided into Greek and Turkish parts since a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by a Turkish peace mission to aid Turkish Cypriots in the north in 1974.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized solely by Turkey, whereas the Greek Cypriot administration is an EU member and recognized internationally.
aa.com.tr/en
