LEFKOSA - Premier Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) received Turkish Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal on Friday.
Baykal said, ''we arrived in TRNC to express our respect to TRNC President Rauf Denktas on the last days of his term in office for his struggle in Cyprus issue. We think it is a historical turning point. Cyprus is entering a new stage. Democracy process functions in Cyprus.''
''Change is the nature of democratic regime. The important thing is to assess activities which are pursued in each service term and show respect to these activities. This is the basic moral and humanitarian principle of democratic regime. We arrived here to express these views to Denktas who exerted efforts for Cyprus cause with this understanding,'' added Baykal.
Baykal said, ''our visit coincided with presidential elections process in TRNC. We did not come here to intervene in functioning of elections. We attach importance in functioning of democracy in TRNC. Turkish Cypriots decide who will govern TRNC. We will all respect to this decision.''
Meanwhile, Talat said that they are pleased to see CHP delegation in TRNC.
Talat noted, ''president has the duty of embracing the whole society. Any part of the society cannot be excluded due to its views. I act with this conscious and understanding. Thus, Turkey and Turkish political parties have a great role in this understanding.''
''Turkey is the greatest and strongest ally of Turkish Cypriots and TRNC. Our cooperation with Turkey will continue,'' noted Talat.
Talat said, ''visit of CHP delegation to Denktas should be considered as an example of fidelity.''
Talat said, ''Cyprus question will be solved through the cooperation of Turkish Cypriots and Turkey. Nobody should be in doubt about it.''