Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Celebrates 24th Anniversary

On November 16, the Turkish Republic on Northern Cyprus (TRNC) celebrated the 24th anniversary of its establishment.

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot people are ready to form a new partnership with the Greek Cypriot people, TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat said “we extended our hand of peace to the Greek Cypriot side. We are ready for peace and ready to contribute to all initiatives aimed at bringing about a solution to the Cyprus problem”.

On the occasion of the anniversary, TRNC Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer stressed that the TRNC is a democratic and self-governing state which was formed as a result of the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for existence on the island for about 400 years. Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for equality and existence had begun during the British Colonial rule and continued today, Prime Minister Soyer stated that the Turkish Cypriot people were determined to pursue their rights of self-determination, equal rights and equal existence.

Addressing the ceremonies, Cemil Cicek, the Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey said that the Cyprus issue was a national cause for Turkey which would be defended at all cost. Underlining the need to continue efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem within the UN framework, Minister Cicek underscored that the Turkish Cypriot side had done all it could within this context.  “It should be perceived and understood by the international community that the Turkish Cypriot side desires a political settlement” he added. The Minister also stressed that the Turkish Cypriot side’s hand of peace will not remain extended forever. Stating that the Turkish Cypriot people were still being punished with unjust international embargoes despite the TRNC’s continued efforts of goodwill, Cicek said that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people were expecting the international community to take concrete steps towards easing the unjust international isolation of North Cyprus.