LEFKOSA - A ceremony was held in front of Lefkosa Ataturk Monument within the scope of celebrations to mark the 20th foundation anniversary of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan wrote on Special Book of the Monument and said, ''Great leader Ataturk, I am proud and enthusiastic to celebrate 20th anniversary of TRNC together and in solidarity with our Turkish Cypriot brothers.''
Erdogan said, ''Turkish Republic, which celebrated its 80th anniversary, and TRNC which celebrates its 20th anniversary, progress on the path you had drawn, and under the light of the principles and reforms.''
Erdogan said, ''we reiterate our belief in brilliant future of Turkish Cypriots, who are an inseparable part of the Turkish nation, and bow in front of your holy memory.''
Following the ceremony at Ataturk Monument, Erdogan started a march with giant TRNC flag which was one kilometer in length.
CEREMONY HELD IN FRONT OF DR. FAZIL KUCUK'S GRAVE
A ceremony was held in front of grave of Dr. Fazil Kucuk, the leader of the freedom struggle of Turkish Cypriots, on Saturday within the scope of celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of foundation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Speaking in the ceremony, TRNC President Denktas said that Turkish Cypriots would continue the freedom struggle launched by Dr. Fazil Kucuk.
Denktas added, ''it is our duty to transfer your struggle to the forthcoming generations to prevent Cyprus from being a Greek-Greek Cypriot dagger to be hit on Turkey. We will overcome the difficulties.''
REACH A LASTING SOLUTION ON CYPRUS WITHOUT CAUSING NEW INCIDENTS AND TENSION
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that what was important was to reach a lasting solution on Cyprus which would not cause any new incidents and tension.
Erdogan, who addressed Turkish Cypriots on the 20th anniversary of foundation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said that there had been tranquility and stability on Cyprus for 29 years.
''What is important is to reach a lasting solution which will not cause any new incidents and tension. Reaching a solution whatever its cost is not possible,'' Erdogan said.
Erdogan noted that Turkey continued to be an element of stability in its region full of conflicts and risks and was the guarantee of peace and tranquility.
''It is an honor for us that TRNC is standing on its feet for 20 years. There has been tranquility and stability on Cyprus for 29 years. Therefore, what is important is to reach a lasting solution which will not cause any new incidents and tension. Reaching a solution whatever its cost is not possible,'' Erdogan said.
Erdogan continued, ''elements of lasting solution is preservation of security, equal status and political equality of Turkish Cypriots and maintenance of bi-zonal structure. The solution should be made on the basis of a new partnership taking into consideration Turkish-Greek balance.''
''TRNC, which has been exposed to unjust obstructions with embargoes, has no other example. We are face to face with embargoes and these embargoes should be lifted. May you be in peace and security. TRNC and Turkish Cypriot people will always find Turkey beside them whatever the conditions are,'' Erdogan added.
(BRC-AY) 15.11.2003