Talat: "EU guarantee for Cyprus talks lacks credibility"

A European Union "guarantee" for Cyprus reunification talks has little credibility, said Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday. Responding to comments by former Greek Cypriot leader George Vasiliou, Talat said, "We've seen what such a guarantee means. For three years now the EU has failed to take up laws to allow direct trade with the TRNC. The EU has no claim to this issue, and Turkey isn't currently a member of EU." He added that any reunification talks should be held on the basis of the 2004 UN plan. Talat also criticized new Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias' demand that all foreign soldiers should leave the island, saying that this belies the promise of a compromise. Talat is due to meet next Monday with Christofias and Michael Moller, the UN's special envoy to Cyprus.