LEFKOSA - Sukru Sariisik, Turkish National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General, said on Monday that it was the Greek Cypriot side who should take steps for the solution of the Cyprus issue.
Sariisik, who arrived in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the July 20th Peace and Freedom Day celebrations, told reporters that rejection by the Greek Cypriots of the (United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi) Annan's plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem ''made more difficult a lasting, fair and sustainable solution in the island.''
Turkey and Turkish Cypriots expected promises, made to them before and after April 24th referenda, to be kept, Sariisik noted.
Sariisik recalled that Turkey, a guarantor power, had restored atmosphere of peace and security in the island thanks to 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation and ended inhumane oppression against Turkish Cypriots. ''In the meantime the enosis (union with Greece) dream of the Greek Cypriots was also discarded'', he added.
TRNC had shown its good will for solution of the Cyprus problem, saying ''yes'' to the UN plan in the referendum, Sariisik said.
He stated, 'therefore, we expect both sides to keep their promises to take measures to lift the embargoes on TRNC, relieving Turkish Cypriots.''
A lasting, fair and sustainable solution could only be possible between two equal parties in the island, Sariisik underlined.
Sariisik said that ''therefore, Cyprus issue could be solved when TRNC was considered equal to the Greek Cypriot side''.
''Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) continued to support Turkish Cypriot people, particularly TRNC President Rauf Denktas as it had been in the past'', Sariisik added.
(BRC-ULG) 19.07.2004