ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday the criteria for a just and permanent solution in Cyprus is clear.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Dervis Eroglu in Ankara, Erdogan said that "the place for a solution in Cyprus is clear. No one should seek a solution anywhere but within the United Nations (UN)".
I am pleased to see that Eroglu`s first trip abroad after having assumed the office of the TRNC prime minister was to the Motherland and I congratulate his government for receiving a vote of confidence from the TRNC Parliament, Erdogan said.
"Eroglu is an experienced prime minister. I congratulate him for his success. As Turkey, we will be in close cooperation and solidarity with the government of the TRNC that was formed by the free will of the Turkish Cypriots," Erdogan stressed.
"We held very beneficial discussions with Eroglu. We had a chance to evaluate the negotiations taking place between the North and South in Cyprus. On top of our agenda was the TRNC itself. We had a chance to discuss the problems in the world. We went over these problems," Erdogan noted.
"We discussed what we can do to continue efforts for peace and stability in our region. Reaching just and permanent solution in Cyprus will lead to peace, security, stability and welfare in Eastern Mediterranean. We believe that the whole international community will benefit from a solution (in Cyprus)," Erdogan said.
"The criteria for a just and permanent solution and the place for a solution are clear. No one should seek a place for a solution other than the UN. As we always say, a solution in Cyprus must take place within the good will mission of the UN Secretary General and be based on a bi-zonal model where the two sides are politically equal and have equal status as well as are two founding states of a partnership. We did not and do not think any other alternative other than this," Erdogan said.
"Surely, the agreements on guarantees and alliance will continue after a solution is reached. Turkey`s active and actual guarantee will continue," Erdogan said.
"The key to solution, peace, stability and tranquility in Cyprus depends on the economic and social strength of the TRNC. Our government will continue to make efforts so that the rule of law is preserved and a wealthier society is formed (in the TRNC)," Erdogan said.
"I am pleased to welcome Eroglu and his delegation to Turkey. I wish them success in the works they will assume in the TRNC from now on. I request from them to carry the TRNC to a bright future in unity," Erdogan also said.