TRNC News Today 23rd May 2014
President Eroğlu : “Our primary goal is a comprehensive solution, our hopes have ri
sen”
President Derviş Eroğlu stressed that their primary goal is to reach a comprehensive solution in Cyprus and added that the meeting they held with the US Vice President – Joe Biden was very positive and raised their hopes for a solution.
Eroğlu pointed out that if confidence building measures are going to be discussed instead of a comprehensive solution this can drag on for years and stressed that the joint statement that Joe Biden made with the Leaders after the dinner binds both sides.
US Vice President Biden: “Leaders agreed to meet at least twice a month”
US Vice President – Joe Biden stated that President Eroğlu and the Greek Cypriot leader – Nikos Anastasiades agreed to meet at least twice a month in order to speed up the negotiation 
process.
Biden said that he has participated in many negotiations around the world, however, he has been very much impressed by the amiability displayed by the Leaders and added that he believes that the differences among the Leaders can be compromised.
Biden said that there are many things to do in Cyprus, however things he heard yesterday (22nd May) have risen his hopes that this time a solution will be reached.
Biden came together with the representatives of non-governmental organizations and some political parties at the buffer zone
Biden came together with the representatives of non-governmental organizations and some political parties at the buffer zone.
In a statement he made to the press, Biden said that the opportunities after a solution are great today and added that these were not present 40 years ago.
The US Vice President said that Leaders are important during the solution process however the representatives of nongovernmental organizations are the antidote.
Biden said that the agony felt is not changed however the opportunities have changed in Cyprus.
Furthermore Biden said that the USA has decided to make further contribution to the confidence building measures.
Biden indicated that transparency and confidence building measures should be increased during the solution process.
Biden has come together with religious leaders
US Vice President – Joe Biden, who came to the island in order to make official contacts, started his meetings with the
religious leaders yesterday (22nd May).
Head of TRNC Religious Affairs – Prof. Dr. Talip Atalay, Archbishop of Cyprus Greek Orthodox Church – II. Hrisostomos, Archbishop of Maronites – Dr. Youssef Souif, Archbishop of Armenians Varoujan Herkelian and the Latin representative Priest – George Kraj participated in the meeting.
The Head of TRNC Religious Affairs – Prof. Dr. Talip Atalay said that the meeting he held with US Vice President Joe Biden was in a positive atmosphere.
Atalay stated that he reiterated his hope for peace and Biden supported him in this issue and added that he has stressed that the religious leaders should not use political language.
Speaker of the TRNC Assembly Sibel Siber going to Ankara today
Speaker of the TRNC Assembly – Sibel Siber is going to Ankara 
today (23rd May) in order to participate in the workshop entitled ‘meeting the expectations after a solution in Cyprus’ organized by Eurasia Economic Relations Association to be held on Saturday (24th May).
During her visit to Ankara Siber will meet Head of the TGNA – Cemil Çiçek and Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for Cyprus Affairs – Beşir Atalay.
Source: TRNC Public Information Office
