The international symposium on the Turkic World in the 21st Century, which is organized by the Association of Eurasia Economic Relations and the European University of Lefke, kicked off today. In his opening remarks, TRNC President Derviş Eroğlu said that the Symposium delivers a good message to those who think they can ignore the existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Underlining the important role of the Symposium in terms of making contributions to further solidarity across the Turkic world, Eroğlu emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots remains committed to their Turkish identity and values with its peaceful spirit towards other nations.
“Turkish Cypriots passed through difficult periods before reaching today’s conditions. We established a partnership state with Greek Cypriots in 1960 which then deteriorated due to the bloody plans of the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo on the hellenisation of Cyprus” the Eroğlu said.
Eroğlu reminded that the TC's gained their independence when motherland Turkey carried out the Turkish peace operation in Cyprus by using its rights as an active and effective guarantor power.
Eroğlu stressed that further victimization of TC's as a result of the Greek Cypriot Side’s intransigent stance will not be allowed anymore.
Welcoming the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s call for the intensification of the Cyprus negotiations, the Eroğlut urged for a time-table for the talks in order to free the Cyprus issue from uncertainty.
“A solution within the first 6 months of 2011 is possible once the Greek Cypriot Side shows its good will” he added.
Eroğlu said that TC's want a future that protects their right of self-determination, bi-zonality, security and Turkey’s active and effective guarantee.
The international symposium on the Turkic World in the 21st Century at LAU will end tomorrow with a closing reception in Kyrenia.