LEFKOSA - President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said Wednesday Turkish troops deployed in the island are fulfilling their duties within the framework of Treaty of Guarantee and Treaty of Alliance.
"They (Turkish troops) will continue to fulfil their duties till a fair and lasting peace is ensured," he told Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit.
Talat said Turkish Armed Forces and Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces are working to prevent any tension in the island or any security threat against Turkish Cypriots.
"Our final goal is fair and lasting peace, and Turkish government and Armed Forces are supporting us," he told.
On the other hand, Gen. Buyukanit said the Greek Cypriot administration should understand how a lasting and fair peace can be ensured.
Buyukanit also said Turkish troops are in Cyprus for peace and security since 1974. "Turkish soldiers are here for Turkish Cypriots, and for security. It has ensured this confidence and will continue to do so," he told.
"Turkish soldiers will also continue to fulfil this sacred mission till fair and lasting peace is ensured," he also said.
Gen. Buyukanit will meet TRNC Parliament Speaker Fatma Ekenoglu and TRNC Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer later on Wednesday.
(BRC-MS)