Gul: Turkey is never to back off TRNC

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stated yesterday in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) that Turkey does not have an intention to back off TRNC and continues to lend support to the Turkish Cypriots. Speaking at a reception of a new daily in TRNC, Gul underlined that Turkey promotes all around the world an extensive solution with reference to the facts in the Island.

"There are two nations, two languages and two states in the island and an extensive solution without reference to these facts would not be possible," Gul said.

Pointing out that the implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation was the responsibility of the EU, not of the TRNC, Gul said whether it is approved or not, the TRNC would not lose anything.

Stating that if the process was delayed with certain tactics by ignoring the realities of the island, Gul said that Turkey would continue to support the TRNC by further developing its economic and social structure. Gul said that Turkey would continue with its constructive approach with regard to the Cyprus issue, where the Turkish Cypriots’ rights would not be renounced and Turkey would do its utmost to ensure that serious and solution oriented studies would be carried in the UN process, rather than delaying tactics.

Within the framework of his contacts, Gul met with TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat and the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Lieutenant General Hayri Kivrikoglu. Gul also attended the opening ceremony of Mercure Hotel in Girne and the launching cocktail of a new daily, “Star Kibris”.

On the other hand, TRNC President Ferdi Sabit Soyer said that Turkey has always sided with the Turkish Cypriots' struggle for political and economic existence.

"The Turkish Cypriots will continue this struggle with the support of Turkey," said Soyer.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary to the TRNC President Rasit Pertev yesterday called on the Greek Cypriots to stop economic assaults directed to the Turkish Cypriots. Meeting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matt Bryza and Doug Silliman in Washington, Pertev told the Anatolian news agency that he briefed U.S. officials about the current situation in the island.

"I expressed our concerns over exploitation maneuvers by the Greek Cypriots as regards the new process -launched by the United Nations-," he said.