No One Can Deny Reality Of Two States In Cyprus, Minister Cicek
GAZIMAGUSA - Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Cemil Cicek, said Friday "no one can deny the reality of two peoples, two democracies and two states in Cyprus".
Cemil Cicek arrived in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Friday to attend a graduation ceremony at the Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU).
Speaking at the ceremony, Cicek said that the DAU has a special meaning for him as his son graduated from this university 12 years ago.
"The DAU has provided important services for the educational and cultural lives of both the TRNC and Turkey in the past three decades. The DAU helped educate thousands of young individuals and everyone appreciates its successes. Universities are one of the most important life vessels of the TRNC," Cicek said.
-"REALITIES CAN NOT BE DENIED"-
Touching on the Cyprus problem, Cicek said that "the two peoples in Cyprus must cooperate based on respect for the laws of each other. The continuing negotiations must be based on this principle of respecting each other`s laws. No one can deny the presence of two peoples, two separate democracies and two separate states in Cyprus. If a peace is to be established, it has to be established within such perimeters".
"No one should expect the Turkish Cypriots to give up self-governance. Turkey and the TRNC have worked for years and continue to work for a permanent solution in Cyprus," Cicek stressed.
"We are strongly against all efforts to relate Turkey`s EU membership to the topic of the Cyprus issue. The TRNC symbolizes the will of Turkish Cypriots for a free life," Cicek noted.
TRNC`s struggle in history is a matter of pride for all of us, Cicek said.
The TRNC has proven itself as a source of human rights, rule of law, democracy that contributes to regional peace and stability, Cicek said.
As Turkey, we try to assist Turkish Cypriots in all fields, Cicek said. "This is a state policy of Turkey," Cicek underlined.
We will continue to extend all assistance for the peace and welfare of the Turkish Cypriots, Cicek said.
The solution, peace, stability and tranquility in Cyprus would be possible with the TRNC`s getting stronger economically and socially, Cicek also said.
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