Turkish President presses for solution in Cyprus before June 2012

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that if a concrete step regarding Cyprus is not taken by mid 2012, the recognition of a two-state structure will be unavoidable. Replying to reporters’ questions on his flight back home from London, President Gul reiterated that Turkey’s stance on Cyprus is clear. Stating that during his contacts in Britain, he often mentioned the Greek Cypriot sector’s EU term presidency in 2012, President Gul said that the recognition a two-state structure will be unavoidable. President Gul said that Britain should take action as a guarantor state. On the details of talks, President Gul said: "I told them that this cannot be possible by advice from afar. If you are sincere this is the right time. You can take as many steps as you want until mid 2012. You should convince Greek Cypriots now. If you cannot, then this will end in a two-state structure. You will have to recognize what we do".