Turkish Cypriot Republican Turkish Party (CTP) has become a full member of the Socialist International meeting which takes place in Santiago, Chile, with the contribution of Georgos Papandreou, Chairman of the Socialist International, and after the intensive efforts of the Turkish Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal. In a statement made after the CTP full membership acceptance, Ferdi Sabit Soyer, leader of CTP, said that this membership is the greatest victory of the TRNC at international relations level. The TRNC , which is officially recognised by no other country than Turkey has indirectly been recognised with the acceptance of the CTP as a full member by the Socialist International. The Greek President Papandreou, who is the leader of PASOK, demonstrated an example of equality and brotherhood which is suitable to the spirit of the Socialist International, just as it preserves the interests of his own country. Also, Baykals great contribution has brought this honour to us. This membership is a sign of absolute equality of the two communities of the island, he added.
On his part, Mr Baykal said that the acceptance of CTP as a full member is the result of an approximately ten-year-effort and that this membership to an organization of international esteem gives hope. Congratulations to the TRNC and the Turkish Republic, he stressed.