20 July Peace and Freedom day was celebrated throughout the TRNC with various ceremonies which was started in Lefkoþa with passing tribute at Monuments and followed with official parade at Dr. Fazýl Kucuk Boulevard.

During the official parade where Turkey was represented by a crowd delegation from Turkish Grand National Assembly, Presidency, Government and Turkish Military Forces and parliamentarians and officials from 30 different countries attended, speeches were delivered stressing that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Turkey were ready for permanent peace and solution in the island.

President Mehmet Ali Talat explained the recent developments in the Cyprus issue and his expectations for future.

President Talat reiterated his call for peace and friendship to the Greek Cypriot side and said: "I call upon the Greek Cypriot side once again to meet the Secretary General’s requests and sit on the negotiation table in order to put an end to our peoples’ and country’s pain in the spirit of mutual understanding."

Talat stated that they expected the Greek Cypriot side to hold the Turkish Cypriot side’s hand extended for peace, in order not to repeat the painful days experienced both by the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots because of the Greek Cypriot leadership’s dominating attitude. President Talat stressed that the Greek Cypriot side should not trust to the existing balances and the advantages of law that has been based on wrong parameters in Cyprus, which could not continue any more.

President Talat stressing that the injustices would definitely end said: "However, while the unjust environment would turn into an environment where the rights would be recognized, we can not predict where the sides will be dragged into."

Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul in his speech during the ceremony stated that the Turkish Cypriot people came to these days with the spirit of unity and cooperation and Turkey would never allow them to return to pre 1974 period.

Gul calling upon the world said: "The Turkish Cypriots security is becoming stronger, no matter what kind of embargoes you impose on them and whatever you do the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots will continue to improve." Gul added that under all conditions Turkey would always support the Turkish Cypriots.

Gul stating that this basic understanding would shape and enlighten the future, said it was the joint aim and desire of the Turkish Cypriot side and the Turkish Republic to bring a just and permanent settlement to the Cyprus issue and that they would continue to do their best to achieve this.

Stressing that a Cyprus settlement should be based on the principles of equality, bi-zonality, the continuation of Turkey’s efficient guarantee and Greco-Turkish balance and under the umbrella of the UN, Foreign Minister Gul said the Greek Cypriot side clearly shown that they were not ready for a new partnership and reconciliation under these conditions.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots should be able to trade with the whole world without being subjected to any kind of restrictions, Gul said direct flights and travels should immediately start and the Turkish Cypriots’ unjust isolation should end.

Foreign Minister Gul stating that their government would continue to provide the necessary support for strengthening the TRNC’s economy, said the Turkish Cypriot people’s prosperity would continue to improve and that with the economic and financial protocol which was signed between the two governments in 2003 with this aim, the period of 450 million dollars financial support was extended until 2006 with an additional protocol signed on 4 June 2005. Gul said in addition to this, a contract of 100 million dollars financial support has been undertaken until the end 2006.

Calling upon the EU Gul said: "I would like to remind something to the EU. Full membership is undoubtedly a joint strategic aim. Our aim is to provide a better future for our people. With this vision, we support TRNC’s and the Turkish Cypriot people’s membership to the EU. But, this should not be understood as it could be in the sake of any costs".

Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, in his message to the TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat within the framework of the 31st anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation, stating that in Cyprus there are two separate states and equal people and two separate democratic states, said these facts should be taken into account in efforts towards a settlement on the island.

Pointing out that he would continue to support the efforts towards a just and permanent settlement in Cyprus within the framework of the UN Secretary General’s good offices mission, President Sezer said it was time to end the restrictions imposed upon the Turkish Cypriots.

President Sezer, celebrating the 31st anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation on behalf of himself and Turkish nation said Turkey had carried out this operation as a result of her historical and legal rights and responsibilities.