We Are Aware Of Precautions We Need To Take To Solve Economic Problems Of Northern Cyprus, P.M. Eroglu

ANKARA - Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Dervis Eroglu said Thursday his government was aware of the precautions they needed to take in order to solve the economic problems of the TRNC.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Eroglu said that they would need the support of the Turkish government in order to save the TRNC from a serious economic crisis.

"We thank the Turkish government for extending warm hospitality to us. We thank Mr. Erdogan for wishing us success in the future," Eroglu said.

"We are aware of our responsibilities as the political party that established the new government in the TRNC after the elections. The National Unity Party (UBP) formed the government at a time of economic difficulties and when negotiations in Cyprus are continuing. We face serious economic challenges and are aware of the steps we need to take. We need the support of the Turkish government in overcoming economic challenges," Eroglu stressed.

"We discussed the economic problems and the ongoing negotiations in Cyprus with Mr. Erdogan. We agreed on the need to save the TRNC from an economic crisis," Eroglu said.

"There are many Turks who come and invest in the TRNC. We will extend all support to investors, especially in tourism sector, as the government of the TRNC," Eroglu said.

"Such investments are crucial for the development of the TRNC. We will provide all incentives to Turkish investors as we do not receive investments from third countries," Eroglu said.

"We think that the existence of economic problems may lead to our weakness at the negotiations table. As the TRNC government, it is our priority to overcome economic challenges and stand strong at the negotiation table," Eroglu said.

"We will continue to be in dialogue with the President of the TRNC, Mehmet Ali Talat, who is conducting the negotiations. We will do whatever is necessary so that the negotiations continue (in Cyprus). However, one of our red lines is about Turkey's actual guarantee in the island. As the UBP government, we can not accept an agreement without Turkey's actual guarantee. We act together with Turkey on this matter as the Motherland has no intention to make any concessions," Eroglu said.

"We are in a search for an agreement in Cyprus. We do search for an agreement that will help Turkish Cypriots live happily in peace and security. The uncompromising attitude of the Greek Cypriots should be brought to the attention of the global community," Eroglu said.

"We would be happy to welcome Mr. Erdogan to the TRNC in the shortest time possible," Eroglu also said.