24/10/2003
Ergüçlü:
Ambassador Thomas Weston special Coordinator for Cyprus of the USA State Department. Thank you very much for giving us this interview.
Weston:
Thank you.
Ergüçlü:
You and Ambassador Klosson and the US in general are being accused and criticised interfering in the election process in North Cyprus? Are you?
Weston:
No. But I should may be explain it more... What involving my self Ambassador Klosson and whole range of American officials are doing for sometime is to express American policy. And with regard to Cyprus in this particular point of time our policy involves and assertion of our view that we very much want to see the settlement of Cyprus problem. We believe there is very important to get a solution for Cyprus. Hopefully by the time that Cyprus’ full accession of the EU. We believe there is only one path for that kind of a settlement that is the good offices of the secretary General. S.G made it very clear that the necessary movement which he will resume his good offices mission. We advocate the S.G’ suggested rapid return to the negotiations inevitably on the basis on Annan plan and towards for a settlement. That’s the US policy and that we have been talking about and spending a part . I know that that is concerned as interference so there is accusation of interference. We do not evaluate it as such. I will have to add to that we intend to continue to asserting US policy in detail on other occasion. After all this is the job of the representative of the US.
Ergüclü:
Ambassador Weston President Denktash accuse you going to far and for that he will not see you. Did you ask to see him and what reply did you get sir?
Weston:
We did ask him... Of course he has been leading for many years and did have really good meetings. We always want to see all of the political leadership on the island. Putting request and response to that request was he needed rest and he could not see me. And we took it as a response.
Erguclu:
You met with his under secretary I understand...
Weston:
I have had lunch with him.
Ergüclü:
You have been touring the region. You went to Ankara and then Athens and you came to Cyprus. What impression did you get from capitals. Are the two guarantors ready to contribute to a Cyprus settlement based on Annan plan?
Weston:
Yes would be the correct answer. But allow me add a little bit...From this trip and from others- but particularly I was stroked by the interest and the statement of the policy in favor of reaching Cyprus settlement in a relatively short period of time. In favor of Cyprus settlement before the accession of Cyprus to the EU.