| Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 25, 2004 Question Taken at Daily Briefing of May 26, 2004 Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali TalatQuestion: Please explain why Tom Weston has twice publicly said that the U.S. recognizes Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat as leader of the Turkish Cypriot people rather than President Denktash? Is this a change in US policy?
Answer: Secretary Powell has met with Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat in his capacity as leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, and U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Michael Klosson has called on Mr. Talat as leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. Our position is that he is the leader of the Turkish Cypriots. |
