Addressing the general assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Wednesday, Talat said that one of the problems in the island is related to the Greek Cypriots' unwillingness to share sovereignty.

The Turkish Cypriots want a solution based on a bi-communal and politically equal model with two equal status taken under guarantee, Talat said.

We welcome the desire of the new Greek Cypriot administration to begin negotiations for a solution in Cyprus, Talat said.

ISOLATIONS CONTINUE

Criticizing the isolationist policy of the Greek Cypriots, Talat said that the Greek Cypriots displayed their tough stance on the matter by arresting a Syrian captain of a ship that came from the TRNC last week.

In regard to a report on Cyprus to be discussed at the PACE on Wednesday, Talat made harsh criticisms as this report did not stand against the isolationist policies of Greek Cypriots on the TRNC.

We welcome the decision of PACE to invite Turkish Cypriot deputies and local administrators to the meetings of the Council of Europe after the Greek Cypriots rejected a peace plan of the United Nations, Talat noted.

We stand on our feet, at a time of isolations, only by the support Turkey extends, Talat stressed.

Had it not been for Turkey's support, there would remain no Turkish Cypriot in the island, Talat said.

The Turkish Cypriots are faced with political, economic and social isolations, Talat said.

One of the most serious isolations has to do with the inability of the Turkish Cypriots to express their political views in the international arena, Talat said.

In his speech, Talat gave information on a compensation commission, established in the TRNC, that will deal with the property demands of Greek Cypriots.

With this commission, the number of cases brought to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) by Greek Cypriots will drop significantly and the court would be relieved of an heavy task, Talat also said.

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