Turkish Cypriot side was not the reason of insolubility

Yalman arrived in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to visit and inspect Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command.

General Yalman told reporters at the airport that Turkish Armed Forces would continue to ensure peace and security of Turkish Cypriot people as it had done so far.

Yalman said that he wanted to take up recent developments in Cyprus during his visit.

Simultaneous referenda held in Cyprus on April 24 had showed that Turkish Cypriot side was not the reason of insolubility in the island, Yalman noted.

Yalman went on saying, "high rate of ‘no’ votes in the Greek Cypriot side in the simultaneous referenda totally removed the possibility of finding a solution to Cyprus issue on the basis of Annan plan as also stated by UN Secretary General. Turkey and TRNC have showed their good will for peace by actively taking part in the settlement process. We think that it is the Greek Cypriot side who should take a giant step forward and show its good will for the settlement of Cyprus issue from now on."

"Also, we think that high rate of ‘no’ votes of the Greek Cypriots in April 24’s separate referenda in the island has made a lasting, fair and sustainable solution more difficult. We expect the concerned parties to keep their promises to take measures which will relieve Turkish Cypriot people who have assumed a constructive attitude for a solution and to lift embargoes on TRNC," Yalman said.

Yalman stated that a lasting, fair and sustainable solution in Cyprus could only be possible between two equal states.

"The current situation has once more showed the reality that a settlement of Cyprus issue can be possible only by equalization between statuses of TRNC and Greek Cypriot side. We think that Cyprus issue will not be considered an obstacle before Turkey’s European Union (EU) perspective any more," Yalman said.

Yalman added, "I think that TRNC people should take action from now on, taking into consideration that their unity and solidarity have gained more importance today. In conclusion, Turkish Armed Forces will continue to be beside Turkish Cypriot people, particularly TRNC President Rauf Denktas who is a historic personality and statesman, as it has done so far."

General Yalman wished a peaceful and secure future to Turkish Cypriot people.

Yalman is expected to meet with TRNC President Rauf Denktas.

TRNC and Greek Cypriot side voted UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem in simultaneous referenda held on April 24.

Sixty-five percent of Turkish Cypriots voted "yes" to the Annan plan while 35.09 percent voted against the plan in the simultaneous referenda. A total of 75.83 percent of the Greek Cypriots said "no" to the plan while 24.17 of them voted "yes."

The rate of participation in the referendum was 84.35 in TRNC and 96.53 percent in the Greek Cypriot side.

Thus, Annan plan was not put into practice in the island.