Erdogan: Efforts To Solve Cyprus Issue Should Be Based On Realities

LEFKOSA - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that there were two equal nations on Cyprus having separate languages and religions, two separate democratic orders and two separate states and stressed that efforts to solve Cyprus issue should be based on those realities.
Erdogan, who addressed Turkish Cypriots on the 20th anniversary of foundation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said that their aim was to raise living standards of Turkish people and increase their confidence in future.
Turkey had an important position in its region, Erdogan stated.
Erdogan said that Turkey continued to be an element of stability in its region full of conflicts and risks.
''Turkey is the guarantee of peace and tranquility in the Balkans, Aegean, East Mediterranean, Middle East and the Caucasus,'' Erdogan noted.
Erdogan stated that European Union (EU) full membership was the main strategic target of Turkey.
Noting that their aim was to raise living standards of Turkish people and increase their confidence in future, Erdogan said that there was no doubt that Turkish Cypriot people and TRNC was included in that vision of Turkey.
Erdogan said, ''we believe that security, peace and stability in our region are of vital importance and we serve these goals. In this context, it is our prior target to overcome conflicts and provide atmosphere of understanding and cooperation in East Mediterranean.''
Turkish Cypriots had overcome every problem so far, Erdogan pointed out.
Erdogan said that Turkish Cypriots had the courage to bear their cross and preferred a free and self-respecting life on the basis of equality.
''Turkish Cypriot people won their historic struggle by declaring their independence on November 15, 1983. TRNC has become the main element of peace and stability on the island since this day. Acceptation of this reality is the basis of a lasting compromise on the island,'' Erdogan noted.
Erdogan stated that Turkey would never leave TRNC alone and extend political and economic support.
Pointing out that Turkish Cypriots were undergoing an important period for their future, Erdogan said, ''this period is a critical process which requires our solidarity and unity with TRNC in our national case Cyprus. Progress has been recorded in freedom struggle of TRNC so far thanks to determination and success of Turkey and Turkish Cypriot people to maintain their unity and solidarity.''
Recalling that elections would be held in TRNC soon, Erdogan said, ''we are sure that elections will be held in a transparent and democratic atmosphere and a stronger democracy will come out of elections.''
Erdogan said, ''Turkish Cypriots call for peace. It is willing for a just and lasting solution. The steps taken by TRNC President Denktas and the initiatives taken by him are open indication of this will.''
Erdogan said, ''I should openly state that it is not possible to record progress on the way to solution with the steps that were taken by only one side. We think that the initiatives launched by the Turkish Cypriot side are opportunities which should not be wasted. Thus, mutual confidence can be rebuild, we believe that just and lasting solution could be facilitated in this way. Finding a solution to Cyprus question is the mutual desire and target of Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey.''
Erdogan said, ''we don't see insolubility in Cyprus as a solution'', stating that, ''however the solution that would be reached should provide an atmosphere where Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots could live side by side in peace and security.''
Erdogan said, ''there are two separate states in Cyprus which are equal in every sense, having separate languages and religions, and having two separate democratic orders. Solution efforts on Cyprus should base on those facts.''
''As the Turkish side, we brought Cyprus question to a specific point with determination and belief so far. Today, Turkish Cypriot side is the equal partner of a comprehensive compromise with its democratic and legal structure,'' Erdogan said, stating that there was tranquility and stability on the island for 29 years.
Erdogan said, ''the important thing is to reach a lasting solution on the island that would not pave ways to new incidents and tensions. If we want a lasting solution, this has several aspects: it is protection of security of Turkish Cypriots, their equal status, protection of political equality and bi-zonality. Solution should be on the basis of a new partnership which will take into consideration Turkish-Greek balance.''
Erdogan said the Turkish side, by basing on this view, always supported good will mission of the U.N. Secretary General and would continue to support it.
''Expectations of Turkish Cypriot people will give a shape to final solution. Turkish Republic, being guarantor state and the motherland, has historical rights and responsibilities in Cyprus. I am addressing to the international community: we want to save future of Eastern Mediterranean from uncertainties and potential instabilities. We favor peace and stability. I know that Turkish Cypriot people share our views and expectations.''
Erdogan said Turkish Cypriot people continued to progress despite embargoes imposed on it, stating that Turkey would expend support to energy, tourism, water and infrastructure projects for improvement of TRNC economy.''
Erdogan said, ''be in tranquility and confidence. TRNC and Turkish Cypriot people would always find Turkey beside themselves. Our relations will be further strengthened and continue till to the end.''
GOOD WILL MISSION OF U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL CAN'T AIM AT ENDING EXISTENCE OF TRNC AND ITS VALUES
Erdogan said that they accepted good will mission of United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General but that mission could never aim at ending existence and values of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Erdogan met with TRNC President Rauf Denktas. Following their meeting, Denktas and Erdogan held a joint press conference.
Erdogan said that Turkey and TRNC shared their problems and therefore, their struggle was common.
Noting that it was their national case, Erdogan said that they stated in their meeting that two countries thought so.
Erdogan expressed full belief that elections in TRNC due on December 14 would be held in a transparent and democratic way.
''Especially TRNC parliament made an invitation to people to come and follow elections in TRNC. Therefore, this invitation is important. But, no response has come to the invitation yet. We accept good will mission of U.N. Secretary General. But, this mission can't aim at ending TRNC's values and existence. We agree on this. It was a good meeting. I hope that future of Cyprus will also be good,'' Erdogan added.
DENKTAS: PEOPLE RELIEVED BY MESSAGE GIVEN BY ERDOGAN
Denktas said that his people were relieved by message given during Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit.
Denktas said that Turkish Cypriot were loyal to their motherland but there were circles who wanted to shake that loyalty.
Underlining that Cyprus issue was a national and sacred case, Denktas said that compromise and peace was a holy duty.
Denktas hoped to make a robust and lasting agreement based on equal sovereignty of two nations.
Touching on bomb attacks in Istanbul, Denktas expressed sorrow over the attacks and offered condolences for the dead.
(BRC-AY) 15.11.2003