29^TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEACE AND FREEDOM DAY

The 29^th anniversary of 20 July Peace and Freedom Day, is being celebrated with various ceremonies and special events all over the TRNC.

Within the framework of celebrations, various politicians, academicians and press representatives from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, U.K., Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Italy, India, Holland, Iran, Egypt, Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, Germany, Pakistan and Spain, will be received by TRNC state and government officials. During their stay in the TRNC, the guests from 18 different countries will also participate in the ceremonies and activities.

Turkish state, government and military officials will also take part in the celebrations during which Turkish Republic will be represented with a high  level delegation led by Abdullatif Sener, the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs.

Accordingly, the Secretary General of Turkish Presidency, Kemal Nehrozoglu, the Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Yilmaz Ates, and Land Forces Chief of  Staff, Lieutenant General, Ilker Basbug, will arrive in the TRNC within the framework of celebrations.

ERDOGAN: “A VIABLE AND JUST SETTLEMENT IN CYPRUS SHOULD BE  BASED ON THE REALITIES ON THE ISLAND”

Receiving TRNC’s Ambassador in Ankara, Ahmet Zeki Bulunc, and his accompanying delegation including the chairmen of the Fighters Associations, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said that a viable and just settlement on the island, should be based on a reconciliation which acknowledges the realities, equal sovereignty and political equality of two parties on the island, and maintains the bi-zonality.

Pointing out that with the Peace Operation which was the turning point of the national struggle continuing for years, peace has prevailed on the island, Erdogan said: “Turkey has several times proved to the world that the Turkish Cypriots are not alone and will continue to do so.”

Stressing that with the awareness of her historic and humanitarian responsibilities and her rights granted by international agreements, Turkey will continue to be the guarantee of peace and security, Erdogan said: “I observed during my recent visit to TRNC in last April that TRNC had achieved important developments and successes worth to be praised. These developments were achieved despite unjust embargoes and restrictions.”

Pointing out that the embargoes upon the TRNC are still continuing, Erdogan said great struggles were given and bitter days were experienced in order to reach these days.

Continuing Erdogan said: “A viable and just settlement on the island, should be based on a reconciliation which acknowledges the realities, equal sovereignty and political equality of two parties on the island, and maintains the bi-zonality. A settlement should maintain and secure life and property of the Turkish Cypriots and provide them an environment to live in peace and tranquillity. We definitely support the efforts of the Turkish Cypriot side for peace and reconciliation.”

The delegation including the representatives of fighters associations led by the Chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Fighters Association, Vural Turkmen, was also received by Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Abdullah Gul.

Speaking during the meeting, Abdullah Gul pointing out that the world has appreciated the openings of the TRNC, said however, a settlement could not be reached with one-sided steps.

Gul also stressed that TRNC President Rauf Denktas’ existence and determination for struggling is of vital importance for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.