Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Çolak gave a briefing to the foreign media members who are visiting our country within the framework of celebration activities of 20th July Peace and Freedom Day.

Informing the media members concerning the ongoing negotiation process and the Cyprus problem, Çolak stated that there is a more positive and better atmosphere in the negotiation process comparing with the past and added that the social activities where TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı and leader of Greek Cypriot administration Nikos Anastasiadis attended together gave positive messages to both peoples.

Stating that different languages, religions and races of the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots do not constitute an obstacle for a solution, Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Çolak expressed that it is possible for the two communities to establish a future for themselves with the soul of cooperation.

Mentioning the issue of natural gas in her speech, Minister Çolak underlined that natural gas issue should not be an issue of conflict and that sides should concentrate on cooperation opportunities. Stressing the importance of reaching a settlement which will make both sides feel themselves under guarantee, Foreign Minister Çolak said that Turkey and Greece can contribute to a solution with a vision for common cooperation.

Emine Çolak pointed out that the non-governmental organizations have a positive role and have the perspective for a solution, which they proved during the time of the Annan Plan.

At the end of her speech she emphasized that it was time to reach a solution on the Cyprus problem which lasted for many years and she said that an atmosphere that Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots can look confidently to the future should be provided in the island.

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