The Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mehmet Ali Şahin has said that Ankara would always be by the side of the Cyprus Turkish People with the capacity of a guarantor power to protect the rights, freedom and security of the TRNC.
Mr Sahin who arrived in the TRNC yesterday morning – was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat soon after his arrival.
Speaking during the meeting, President Talat said the Cyprus Turkish People has no doubt that Turkey would continue to support them under all conditions.
Speaking at Ercan Airport, Mr Sahin repeated that Turkey was in favor of
a just and lasting solution in Cyprus.
Pointing to the fact that the TRNC people were suffering under an unjust isolation despite being in favor of an agreement and solution, Mr Sahin referred the isolation as a shame on humanity.
The Turkish Parliamentary Speaker called on the international community to honor the promises it gave to the Turkish Cypriot people and to lift the isolation.
Later, Mr Sahin was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat.
Welcoming Mr Sahin at the Presidential Palace, President Talat said the Turkish Cypriot People has no doubt that Turkey would continue to support them under all conditions.
‘We would not undertake joint economic and political action, if we had little doubt on this,’ Mr Talat added.
He said that the Greek Cypriot Side which is recognized as the `Republic of Cyprus’ was enjoying the support of the European Union and the whole world while the TRNC is supported only by Turkey, in the continuing peace negotiations.
The President said that an important step was taken and the negotiation
process was launched keeping this reality in mind.
Later, Mr Sahin held discussions with Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Hasan Bozer and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu respectively.
Welcoming the visiting speaker, Mr Bozer said that the national struggle that has been continuing in Cyprus for many years has been conducted together with Motherland Turkey.
Stressing that Turkey is the reason behind the existence of the TRNC, Mr Bozer underlined the need to continue these friendly, close relations between the two countries.
For his part, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said he felt very comfortable knowing that Turkey was by the side of the TRNC with its government and parliament.
Noting that the TRNC was facing economic problems, Mr Eroglu said these problems would only be overcome with the support of Turkey.
Within the framework of his contacts in the Republic, Mr Sahin also held discussions with Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosa Sakir Fakili.
In the afternoon, he visited founding President Rauf Denktas, the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Lieutenant General Akin Zorlu and the Bogaz Martyrdom.