Erdogan informed Bush about the steps that the Turkish side took to solve the issue. He stressed that the Turkish side was ready to commence negotiations by taking the Annan Plan as a reference. Erdogan reminded that May 1, which is the date when Greek Cyprus will become an EU member, was approaching and asked for the support of Bush to persuade the Greek side to sit at the negotiation table at once. Erdogan said, “Turkey and TRNC did all they can for Cyprus. Now the negotiation process will begin. We are waiting the response of Greece and Greek Cypriots. We hope that good will is met with good will so that we attain a solution.”
Upon this request, Bush instructed State Secretary Powell to contact UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to facilitate the peace process in Cyprus. Erdogan assured Bush that the Turkish side would always be one step ahead of the Greek side and indirectly asked from him to put pressure on the Greek side to work towards a solution.
Meanwhile, Bush said that U.S. fully supported Turkey’s bid for EU. At a press conference Erdogan said that the relations of Turkey with EU countries were at a very good level and that only one country had some hesitations. Nevertheless, he said that Turkey was optimistic that she would be able to get a date from EU by December to commence the accession talks.
