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Speaking after a meeting in London, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said he and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem "had a useful and fruitful exchange of views on the situation in Cyprus."

"We both hope that these recent initiatives will create an environment in which we can take forward a mutually acceptable solution to the division of the island," he added.

He expressed the hope that this will "enable both Turkey and Cyprus to proceed with their aspirations as candidates for membership of the European Union."

On his part Mr Cem said as regards Cyprus that "the trend is positive".

Asked what Turkey was looking forward to for Cyprus, Mr Cem said "We have both agreed that we should work for a solution and that solution should be one that is mutually acceptable. Britain is very committed to making sure that we try and create the opportunity for both sides to exchange their views and to come to that. "

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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