Mehmet Ali Talat, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said that toughest issues during talks would be land and property.

- 12 / 05 / 2008 08:02

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said Sunday that overall atmosphere prevailing at bi-communal technical and working committees, that were making preparations for extensive talks in the island, was positive despite certain differences of opinion.

Speaking to the Turkish Cypriot news agency, President Mehmet Ali Talat expressed his firm belief in the talks towards solution of the Cyprus issue and said negotiations would begin in June if none of the two parties withdrew.

"There has never been so much chance for solution," he said but added that toughest issues during talks would be land and property.

"The toughest issue is property. It is a very complex problem. 30 to 40 years have passed, the properties changed owners many times. Besides both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are very sensitive about this issue. Therefore it is a tough issue," said Talat.

Talat said they had a formula about property issues but refused to reveal its content until the beginning of talks. He said all issues regarding talks were on the table before the committees and pointed out that they would get together with leader of Greek Cypriot administration Demetris Christofias and assess the committees' work.

Talat said he believed the positive atmosphere that came along with the election of Christofias as leader of the Greek Cypriot administration and enlivening of social relations, would be reflected on the talks.