Northern Cyprus FM Reacts To Greek Cyriot Leader For His Remarks Against Turkey

FM Turgay Avci of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) reacted Friday to Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias, who talked about Turkey as "occupier."

"He (Christofias) should not forget that he owes his life to Turkey and the (Cyprus) Peace Operation as many other members of AKEL," he told.

Christofias was elected on February 24th and took office on February 28th.

Avci said Christofias talks about a federative solution but at the same time he demands destroying UN regulations and solution parameters.

"He has demands that will turn Turkish Cypriot people a minority in its own state, force them to migration and to leave island with an inhumane understanding," he said.

On the other hand, Avci said Turkish Cypriots are ready for a new partnership based on political equality of the two nations, bi-zonal structure, equal status of founder states, and effective and de facto guarantee of Turkey.

"We have set end of 2008 as a target, and motherland Turkey is supporting this stance. However, the statements of the Greek Cypriot administration indicates that this side is not ready to reach an agreement in a short time but is planning to maintain the status quo in order to gain time," he told.