ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul left for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday.
Gul will attend transfer ceremony of presidency from TRNC President Rauf Denktas to TRNC Premier Mehmet Ali Talat.
Gul replied questions of reporters prior to his departure at Ankara's Esenboga Airport.
When asked whether a block permission will be given to the United States for the usage of Incirlik Airbase, Gul said, ''terminologies sometimes have different meanings. Block permission does not mean blank check. Technical activities are pursued by Turkish Armed Forces and related officials.''
Upon another question, Gul said, ''Greece formally apologized from Turkish Armed Forces regarding incidents about disrespect to Turkish flag. We have received a formal letter. They certainly felt sorry about the incidents and they expressed this sorrow through the letter.''
When asked the effect of tension in Kardak islets in Aegean Sea on bilateral relations between Turkey and Greece, Gul said, ''such activities happen sometimes. I think we will overcome them. Bilateral relations will develop and it will be for the interest of both countries.''
Gul said, ''I leave for TRNC to represent Turkish government in the ceremony during which Talat will swear in after he won presidential elections in TRNC on April 17th.''
''TRNC is an active state with its all institutions. It proved itself to the world one more time with the elections which were held democratically, fairly and transparently,'' he added.
''My visit will be a chance to convey appreciation and gratitude of Turkish government to TRNC President Denktas,'' he noted.
Gul said, ''Turkey, like Turkish Cypriots, wants a permanent and just peace in the island within the scope of the UN. Turkey will pursue to support Turkish Cypriots.''