29/08/2008 01:51:37

  -

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has said that the Turkish Cypriot Side was working hard towards finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem on the basis of political equality.

The Premiers words came during the inauguration of the newly completed "Nikovikla Garden Hotel" in Kumyali village in Karpaz District.

The hotel has been constructed as part of the Eco-agricultural tourism project being carried out by the government

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has said that the Turkish Cypriot Side was working hard towards finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem on the basis of political equality.

The Premiers words came during the inauguration of the newly completed "Nikovikla Garden Hotel" in Kumyali village in Karpaz District.

The hotel has been constructed as part of the Eco-agricultural tourism project being carried out by the government. Addressing the guests at the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the government's primary goal on the path to reaching a solution to the Cyprus Problem must be to economically develop the country and to institutionalize democratically.

He added that this was not an impossible feat to achieve.

The Prime Minister also said that serious investments were being made in the Karpaz District.

© Copyright Cyprus Times 2008

  -

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has referred to the Greek Cypriot Administration's decision to withdraw the cases it filed against the EU Commission at the European Court of Justice as a 'delayed positive step'.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Premier reminded that he had earlier made a call to the Greek, Cypriot Leader Demetris Christof as for the withdrawal of these cases which were filed during former leader Tassos Papadopoulos' term of duty and fuelled enmity between the two communities in Cyprus.

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has referred to the Greek Cypriot Administration's decision to withdraw the cases it filed against the EU Commission at the European Court of Justice as a 'delayed positive step'.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Premier reminded that he had earlier made a call to the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias for the withdrawal of these cases which were filed during former leader Tassos Papadopoulos' term of duty and fuelled enmity between the two communities in Cyprus.

Mr Soyer also noted that the Greek Cypriot Administration has made the decision after months have passed as a result of the fact that it lose in by-order cases. Prime Minister Soyer stressed that the Greek Cypriot side must not mix up relations between Turkish Cypriots and the European Union in the name of protecting its own sovereignty.

© Copyright Cyprus Times 2008

  -

Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Turgay Avci has made emphasis on the fact that it is out of question to remove Turkey's guarantor position in Cyprus and replace it with the European Union.

The Turkish Cypriot People is in favour of a solution of the Cyprus problem. However, Turkish Cypriots will not waste their rights for a solution. We are up for a solution which will be based on equal political rights and two equal states. And, all these form the foreign policy, which has been determined jointly with Turkey' Avci added.

Stressing that no one will be able to prevent the Turkish Cypriot People from developing and opening itself up to the world, Mr Avci said talks held between the two sides in Cyprus will be maintained on the basis of facts and equality.

Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Turgay Avci has made emphasis on the fact that it is out of question to remove Turkey's guarantor position in Cyprus and replace it with the European Union.

Mr Avci's words came during a visit paid to him by a Turkish delegation from the Federation of 'Those Who Sacrifice Themselves for the Homeland'.

Stating that the replacement of the Greek Cypriot Administration's guarantorship rights with the EU's has been a subject of discussion from time to time, Mr Avci said this way of thinking is no way acceptable for the Turkish Cypriot side, adding that Turkey's guarantorship is inalienable.

The Foreign Minister stressed the need for not to break up the ties with Turkey in order to ensure that the Turkish Cypriot People are living in peace and security.

'The Turkish Cypriot People is in favour of a solution of the Cyprus problem. However, Turkish Cypriots will not waste their rights for a solution. We are up for a solution which will be based on equal political rights and two equal states. And, all these form the foreign policy which has been determined jointly with Turkey' Avci added.

Stressing that no one will be able to prevent the Turkish Cypriot People from developing and opening itself up to the world, Mr Avci said talks held between the two sides in Cyprus will be maintained on the basis of facts and equality.

© Copyright Cyprus Times 2008

  -

Making a broad evaluation of the Cyprus issue at the Ercan Airport before leaving the . TRNC Saturday morning, General Buyukanit emphasized that the Turkish troops will not be withdrawn unless they see a guarantee for a just and lasting peace in Cyprus.

The Chief of the Turkish General Staff Major General Yasar Buyukanit has made the emphasis on the fact that the major goal is to ensure the security of the Turkish Cypriot People and the removal of the international isolations as well as its prosperity.

General Yasar Buyukanit stressed that no matter what kind of a political agreement is reached on the Cyprus issue, it must be based on the sovereignty of the TRNC and equal rights.

Making a broad evaluation of the Cyprus issue at the Ercan Airport before leaving the TRNC Saturday morning, General Buyukanit emphasized that the Turkish troops will not be withdrawn unless they see a guarantee for a just and lasting peace in Cyprus.

Turkish troops must remain on the island until' we make sure that the Turkish Cypriot People are in security. If a political settlement is reached in Cyprus and this is followed by its successful implementation and the ensurance of the security of the Turkish Cypriot People, then this is when we will think of withdrawing our troops' the General said.

Touching upon the issue of the Lokmaci gate, Turkish Chief of Staff General Yasar Buyukanit stated that the Lokmaci gate is just one of many border gates in Cyprus.

He said theres an area at Lokmaci which is under the TRNC sovereignty and stressed that no changes will take place which will cause a threat against the sovereignty there.

'The claims that flags will be lowered in the area are false. The current order will be continued even if the gate is opened for crossings' he added.

General Buyukanit stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces will maintain its duty on the island until lasting peace is achieved.

© Copyright Cyprus Times 2007

  -

President Talat Receives Turkish Chief of General Staff General Buyukanit. Talat: "Turkish Armed Forces is on the Island Based on International Agreements"

President Mehmet Ali Talat received today the Turkish Chief of General Staff, General Yasar Buyukanit, who is on the island upon an official invitation. by Talat.

During the meeting, President Talat stated that the Turkish Armed Forces on the island for the security of the TRNC based on international agreements. The Turkish Armed Forces "will continue to carry out this duty until a just and permanent peace," said Talat. "In other words, the goal is a just and permanent peace."

General Buyukanit stated that the . Turkish troops are in Cyprus for peace and has maintained peace since 1974. He also pointed out that the Turkish troops will carry out this duty until a just and permanent peace.

Buyukanit highlighted that this duty is sacred. "Turkish troops are here for Turkish Cypriots and their security," said Buyukanit. "They have maintained this security and will continue to do so."

Buyukanit noted that a just and permanent peace is always being referred to. He said however, that it must be well-known how a peace may be just and permanent. "Those who govern the TRNC, including the President, doubtlessly know how a peace can be just and permanent," Buyukanit stated. "Officials of the Republic of Turkey also know this. Yet this must be achieved. Officials in the South must also clearly understand this." President Mehmet Ali Talat, during his speech, expressed pleasure over Buyukanit's visit, even though it was a "delayed visit."

Talat underlined that the Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces are doing everything in their capacity for the security of the TRNC. "They are working very hard to make sure that there is no tension in Cyprus and that the security of Turkish Cypriots is not jeopardized," Talat stated.

Talat noted that this support by the Turkish Armed Forces is based on international agreements. "In fact, they are fulfilling their duties based on international agreements," Talat said. "They are fulfilling the duty that emanates from the Guarantee and Alliance Agreements. They.will continue to do so until a just and permanent peace. In other words, the goal is a just and permanent peace. And the Turkish Armed Forces is supporting us in trying to reach this goal. For this, I would like to thank you with all my sincerity on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people."

© Copyright Cyprus Times 2007

  -

President Mehmet Ali Talat received Michael Moller, United Nations Secretary General's' Special Representative in Cyprus and Chief of Mission of UNFICYP, whose term is ending at the end of March. Michael Moller, who paid a farewell visit to Talat, thanked the President for his cooperation over the last few years.

Moller stated that he has spent great efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem during the last two years and thus is leaving the island as "a happy man."

Moller wished luck to everyone in Cyprus. President Mehmet Ali Talat, in his speech, noted that Turkish Cypriot people are hopeful for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. Talat thanked Moller for his contributions.

© Copyright Cyprus Times 2007

  -

The TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the objective of the talks between the advisers of the two leaders in Cyprus was to set up committees to bring solutions to the day-to-day problems being faced by the two peoples and to settle the Cyprus problem.

The TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the objective of the talks between the advisers of the two leaders in Cyprus Was to set up committees to bring solutions to the day-to-day problems being faced by the two peoples and to settle the Cyprus problem.

,The President reminded that efforts towards bringing a solution to the Cyprus issue had been unproductive since the 8 July Agreement as a result of the former Greek Cypriot Leader Tassps Papadopulos' delaying tactics.

He reminded that he met with the new Greek Cypriot Leader Dimitris Christofias last Friday and agreed to work on establishing working groups and technical committees to end the problems being faced by Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots and to bring about a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

On the opening of a gate, at met Ai Talat Lokmaci, the President said the United Nations should carry out inspections in the area to make sure. that it is clear of mines and booby traps before. the opining of a gate.

© Copyright Cyprus Times 2007