ISTANBUL (CIHAN) - The Foreign Minister of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), Rauf Denktas said on Wednesday that the calling of KKTC as Cyprus Turkish State is important for them. He added that they had an opportunity to improve the economic and political relations with Islamic countries.
Denktas evaluated that the status of KKTC upgraded from observer community to observer state at the 31st foreign ministers meeting of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) held in Istanbul. Denktas carried out bilateral negotiations with the representatives of 20 Islamic countries during OIC meeting and he said that they are satisfied from the negotiations.
Denktas noted that, "The path of KKTC opened with the OIC's decision concerning the statue of KKTC to develop the relations with 56 Islamic countries member of United Nations (UN) and also this decision would be an example for UN and European Union (EU). Therefore, this decision is a great step."
Criticizing the demand of Greek Cyprus to attend the OIC as observer state, Denktas said that, "Greek Cyprus want to use us and they want to prove that they represent Northern Cyprus although they are not representing us and this is a reality. The referendum that was held in Cyprus for Annan Plan showed that Greek Cyprus cannot represent Turkish side and cannot demand any right."
Denktas also stated that they met with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov and it was the first official meeting between Russia and KKTC. Denktas added that Russia is determined to remove the economic restrictions imposed on Cyprus Turkish people. "Russia will make attempts on this issue."