Cyprus: Turkish PM congratulates new TRNC leaders

Releasing a statement on Tuesday, the Prime Ministry Press Center said that Erdogan, in his message to Talat, said that he was pleased to learn that TRNC President Rauf Denktas approved the coalition government’s list of Council of Ministers.

Noting that it was worthy of appreciation that the government which was formed in a period while the ‘national case’ Cyprus issue was going through an ‘important stage’ had shown the determination of acting in solidarity and unity in defending rights and interests of Turkish Cypriot people, Erdogan stressed that the ‘success which had been achieved in protection of unity’ laid on basis of the progress that Turkish Cypriot people had recorded in their fight so far.

Stating that a lasting compromise in Cyprus was the target of both the TRNC and Turkey, Erdogan said, "however, solution should protect rights of Turkish Cypriot people and provide an environment where Turkish and Greek Cypriots can live in peace and safely. In order to reach this target, we have to intensify joint efforts also in coming period. It is natural that we will act together with Mr. President Denktas and your government in Cyprus issue which is our joint national case."

Erdogan said that Turkey would continue to have close cooperation with the new TRNC government and extend every support for growth and development of the TRNC and prosperity of Turkish Cypriot people.

Erdogan stressed that granting the TRNC economy competitive structure in international platform and putting into practice giant and permanent projects that would solve water and energy problem in the TRNC were among their priorities.

Noting that the Turkish government would continue taking necessary measures to have Turkish Cypriot people and the TRNC look to the future with confidence and in prosperity an peace, Erdogan added, "as a guarantor country, Turkey will protect its rights and interests under international agreements and it will always stand by the Turkish Cypriot people."

Meanwhile, Erdogan, in his message to Serdar Denktas, said that finding solution to Cyprus issue was the target of both the TRNC and Turkey, stressing that they did not consider ‘insolubility’ as a ‘solution’ in Cyprus.

"However, this is also not a solution that would be reached at any cost. Results of the general elections in the TRNC show that Turkish Cypriot people want solution and join the European Union although they are not willing to make concessions from their rights. A lasting compromise in Cyprus will depend on materialization of these two expectations together. It is natural that Turkey will do what is necessary to reach it under its historical responsibilities," the Prime Minister said.

Noting that the Turkish government was determined to support Turkish Cypriot people’s fight for their existence and rights and take every necessary measure for their safe future in peace and prosperity, Erdogan added that Turkey would always stand by Turkish Cypriot people.