LEFKOSA - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that there were two nations on Cyprus which are equal in every sense, two peoples which have separate religion and language, two separate democratic orders and two separate states, stating that, ''solution efforts on Cyprus should base on those realities.''
Calling on Turkish Cypriot people to be in tranquility and confidence, Erdogan said, ''Turkish state and nation will continue to support you. Your problem is our problem and our problem is your problem.''
Erdogan addressed to those who welcomed them in Gecitkale Airport and expressed pleasure over being in TRNC.
Erdogan said history proved that nations which have power to protect its future and which act together for the cause they believed in have the right to live, and gave a direction to their future.
Stating that fight of Turkish Cypriot people which continued for 40 years for rights, freedoms and equality was not seen before, Erdogan said, ''Turkish Cypriot protected their rights and freedom by overcoming all the difficulties.''
Erdogan said there were two nations on Cyprus which are equal in every sense, which have separate religions and languages, and there are two separate democratic orders and two separate states. He said solution efforts on Cyprus should be based on those realities, stressing that two nations on Cyprus before all should form the conditions to live side by side and in peace on the island. Erdogan said, ''they should search for constructing the new partnership on confidence atmosphere.''
Erdogan said they welcomed the steps taken by TRNC President Rauf Denktas and the calls made by him to create confidence atmosphere between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, stressing that particularly the recent positive step taken by him was appreciated by Turkey and by the whole world. He said, ''we support this resolved attitude covered by Turkish Cypriots to reach a secure future and to prevail peace and tranquility on the island. I consider this pluralist structure and discussion, which TRNC ruling and opposition created, as the biggest richness of Turkish Cypriot people.''
Erdogan said they would have the opportunity to evaluate all the problems with TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and government officials, stressing that they would search for ways to further improve cooperation. Erdogan said he would also meet with the leaders of the opposition parties.
Stating that Turkey favored reaching a just and lasting solution on the basis of realities on the island, Erdogan said they wanted to continue their efforts together with TRNC administration.
Erdogan said, ''we believe that steps taken by the TRNC to allow passages will contribute normalization of relations between the two sides and a just and lasting solution. We think proposals of Turkish Cypriot side should not be wasted and should be considered carefully by all the sides. I am calling on all the world from TRNC today underlining a fact: It is time to lift the inhumane embargoes to which Turkish Cypriots are subjected. This is the most urgent issue on Cyprus today. We are in fact against all embargoes, and we want them to be lifted. As Turkey, we are ready for this. Turkish Cypriot people are left face to face with obstacles which it did not deserve.''
Expressing belief that Turkish Cypriot people has the strength and energy to provide economic development, Erdogan said, ''we will not leave you alone. Our government is resolved to take every kind of measures to provide you carry out a more prosperous life.'' Erdogan said they searched for ways to solve the problems of economy, and that they would discuss economic and social problems with sensitivity.
Erdogan said, ''my valuable brothers, have tranquility and confidence. Turkish state and nation will continue to be with you. Nobody has suspicion in this respect.''
Erdogan said, ''never cast shadow over your national unity and integrity. Love each other and be in solidarity. Those who have accounts on Northern Cyprus will benefit from this. I believe that you will overturn this trick.''
(AY-AÖ) 09.05.2003