Message by TRNCPresident Mehmet Ali Talat for “20 Years of Dialogue for Peace”
For the last 20 years, the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nicosia has tirelessly been spending efforts to bring together the political parties that represent the political will of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude both to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Slovak Republic for their unmatched efforts. They are much appreciated.
The wonderful ceremonial meeting called “20 Years of Dialogue for Peace,” organised with the courageous initiative of Ambassador Anna Turenicova, to mark the 20th Anniversary of bi-communal dialogue between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot political parties, will serve to reward and recognise the efforts of not only the loyal participants of these meetings, but of the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Slovak Republic.
As you all know, after a long stalemate, Mr. Demetris Christofias and I have re-launched negotiations with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. Our aim is to unite our beautiful island under a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, with a single international personality as well as a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State, which will be of equal status. It will not be a smooth journey. After forty-five years of division, big gaps must be bridged on how we shall share the future government of the united Cyprus. But I am determined to do everything in my capacity to find a just and permanent solution in Cyprus within this year.
Bi-communal dialogue is a very important aspect of peace building. It should be encouraged and supported in order to prepare our peoples for peace and partnership.
In this regard, the efforts of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic will continue to serve as an important contribution to the ongoing negotiations, which, I hope, will lead to a united Cyprus as the common homeland of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.
Presidential Press Office.