The 2nd Cyprus Turkish Development meeting organised by the Cyprus Turkish Development Platform Association and the Turkish Democracy Foundation under the joint auspices of Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and President Rauf Denktaş is continuing.

The four day meeting being held at the Lefkosa Atatürk Cultural Centre and is taking up the socio- economic development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

During yesterday’s session, panel discussions were being held on the issues of education, tourism and industry sectors of the TRNC.

The late leader of the Turkish Cypriot people Osman Örek was remembered at the 3rd anniversary of his death.  

A ceremony was held at his graveside in the Lefkoşa cemetery. The ceremony attended by President Rauf Denktaş and State and Government officials.

The Late Osman Örek served as the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Speaker of Parliament for the TRNC, as well as the Defence Minister for the Cyprus Republic. Mr Örek was a leading statesman in the just struggle for the Turkish Cypriot people.

Speaking during the commemoration ceremony of Mr.Osman Örek President Denktaş once again stressed that no one has the right to create a new crises like Palestine and Israel one in Cyprus by forcing the sides to come together after a tough race struggle. The President continued “ After we got apart from each other and managed to survive from Greek Cypriot cruelty and eventually when the peace was brought to the island we wanted to reestablish a partnership with the Greek Cypriots. This is what the truth is and this is what the common sense dictates."

President Denktaş pointed out that the reason of the failure of the negotiations has been the Greek Cypriots insistence that they are the sole legitimate government of Cyprus, and their failure to perceive Turkish Cypriots as their equals but always saw them as only a minority group. The President reminded that the unilateral application of the Greek Cypriot Administration to the EU is against the 1960 International Agreements and the application only bounds Greek Cypriot Administration that has no right to represent Turkish Cypriots. Therefore the application is null and void and it is a violation of human rights.

President Denktaş concluded “Yes we do want friendship but under the equal terms. Yes we can access to the EU but without upsetting the 1960 balances, and we can access to the EU by only determining and underlying our equal and sovereign status.”

Speaking during the conference organized by Industrial and Businessman Association of Ankara TRNC’s Ambassador to Ankara Mr.Ahmet Zeki Bulunç stressed that in order to reach a successful result in the ongoing face-to-face talks the existence of a common vision between the sides is a vital requirement. Mr.Bulunç added that a long lasting settlement could only be achieved by accepting the realities of Cyprus.

THE ACTING HEAD OF THE TRNC ASSEMBLY MR. ÜNAL ÜSTEL "MR. VERHEUGEN HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING GREEK CYPROIT INTRANSIGENCE"

The acting head of the TRNC’s legislative Assembly Mr.Üstel claimed that EU’s Commissioner in Charge of Enlargement Mr. Günter Verheugen once again dynamited the Cyprus talks process by his statements he made in Athens.

In written statement issued by Mr.Üstel it was stated that, Mr.Verheugen has been threatening the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey and acting like the advocate of Greek Cypriots and Greeks. This one sided and prejudiced attitude neither helps the Turkish Cypriots nor the Greek Cypriots. The statements like this could only encourage Greek Cypriots intransigence and invites them to engage in new dangerous adventures.

TURKISH CYPRIOT BUSINESSMAN AWARDED WITH ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR

Mr. William Denis Fugazy, Chairman of NECO, in his letter to Mr. Mustafoğlu stated, "NECO, the largest representative of ethnic and heritage organizations in the United States, is presenting you this medal as a result of your exceptional humanitarian efforts and outstanding contributions to our country".

Commenting on his selection to receive the Medal, Mr. Mustafoğlu stated, "I am honored and humbled by this award. Opportunities for success provided by this great country of ours are unmatched in the world. America's diversity is her strength and I am happy to be included in the list of people who are considered having made a significant contribution to society. "

TransGlobal Financial Corporation is a Los Angeles based financial firm investing in and providing services to emerging growth-oriented companies.

NECO represents the largest ethnic and heritage organizations in the United States, with over five million family members. NECO is dedicated to universal brotherhood and to the advancement, protection and encouragement of all ethnic groups and races.

One of the most respected newspapers of USA The Washington Times published an article in its 22 March 2002 issue with the signature of Mr. Lames Morrison commenting the ongoing face-to-face talks of Cyprus.

The article referred to Turkish Cypriots desire to establish a partnership composed of two equal states and a loose central authority while Greek Cypriots desire for a bizonal federation. The article quoted the interview conducted with TRNC Ambassador to Washington Mr.Osman Ertuğ who stated that Turkish Cypriots want a partnership that will be composed of two sovereign states. Turkish Cypriots have established their independence in 1983 and until then they have their own separate government, which fully functions as a state with its legislative, judiciary and executive bodies.

THE GREEK CYPRIOTS DEMOLISHED THE MOSQUE AND TURNED TURKISH CYPRIOT CEMETERY INTO A CAR PARK