LEFKOSA - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Thursday that the state was a work of art of the sacrifices that were made, noting that it was founded to prevent eradication of Turkish Cypriots from the island throughout history.
Denktas pointed out that an important stage has started, stressing that the turning point could be overcome successfully in unity and integrity of people.
Celebrations started in TRNC to mark 19th anniversary of the Republic Day with a speech of Denktas delivered in Bayrak Radio Television at 12.00 local time.
Denktas said it was unfortunate that he was not able to mark the 19th anniversary of their republic together, noting that, ''our hearts are together. We have founded this Republic altogether.''
Pointing out that they have entered a new stage, Denktas said, ''others have prepared a document in line with their views after listening to our views. They have put forward this document in front of us. Naturally, as people who protect their country, there are many aspects I should take into consideration here. Primarily our state, sovereignty, personality and territories.
Denktas said that ''he insisted that the issue of territory should be taken up in the end to keep the path of peace open'' and went on saying, ''I told the former U.N. Secretary General Butros Gali that 'he should not put forth a map because it would start an argument.' I also noted that 'the Greek Cypriots would argue that they got a few things while the Turkish Cypriots would say that they wouldn't give the territories that were asked to be given. I also stated that 'the issue would remain unsolved.' But, I couldn't make him listen.''
''Although they knew that we don't want to discuss a map without acceptance of sovereignty of our lands and sovereignty of our people but we agreed to discuss the principles, they put forth a map. Views and reactions of our people about this issue is very important. I hope we will discuss these issues altogether, with our government, party leaders and the parliament when I return to the island on Saturday. We have four weeks of time. Even though we are not asked to 'accept or return', such a picture is drawn in the end. We will not accept this.''
Noting that issues like Turkish Cypriots' future, sovereignty, freedom and relations with Turkey and vital issues about Turkish-Greek balance over the island were matters of discussion, Denktas said that they would take up and discuss these with good will and with intention for a unification in Cyprus.
Warning that the maps put forward in front of them might become a wall that could not be surmounted, Denktas said, ''we should be aware of ourselves and our state. We should protect our sovereignty and state. And we should successfully handle these days of fate through cooperation with Turkey and of course, through a sincere cooperation among us.''
Stressing that demanding peace was everybody's right but it would be wise and reasonable to work for a real peace, Denktas added, ''I sincerely congratulate our Republic Day.''