TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRY: “WE ARE DETERMINED TO
SAFEGUARD OUR RIGHTS”
Deputy Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued
a written statement with regard to the issue of natural gas
exploration in Eastern Mediterranean. Following is the full
statement issued on 7 August:
“The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) welcomes the
commencement of works for natural gas exploration in Eastern
Mediterranean by the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) as
well as the prospect of extracting natural gas in the event of
obtaining a positive result. This work confirms that both the
TRNC and the Republic of Turkey are resolute to safeguard their
legitimate rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, as
has been previously mentioned in various statements issued by
both countries.
“As is known, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of
Foreign Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcý, during his visit
to Turkey in February 2007, had contacts regarding the
exploration/extraction of hydrocarbon in the Eastern
Mediterranean and drew attention to the gravity of the issue and
emphasizing the determination of our country and the Republic of
Turkey to safeguard our rights. We hope that this initiative,
which is a proof of the fact that the Turkish side shall not
keep silent in the face of attempts aimed at violating or
eroding its rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean,
shall convey the necessary message to all the relevant parties,
the Greek Cypriot side in particular.”
43RD
ANNIVERSARY OF ERENKOY RESISTANCE…
43rd
Anniversary of Erenkoy Resistance, which has an important place
in the history of Turkish Cypriot struggle for freedom, was
celebrated yesterday (8 August) and 26 martyrs of the resistance
were commemorated with a ceremony in Erenkoy.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Mehmet Ali Talat said
the Erenkoy resistance should not only be perceived as bravery
and heroism, it was at the same time a proof showing that the
Cyprus problem did not start in 1974. President Talat the
resistance was important also in terms of demonstrating that
Turkey was always by the side of Turkish Cypriot people.
Considering the Erenkoy resistance as a great example for
struggle, Talat said the resistance helped the Turkish Cypriots
to look ahead in security and added: “We should spend effort to
create better days for ourselves. We should work for better
economy and democracy”.
Pointing out that efforts towards achieving economic and social
prosperity which would be envied by the world and force the
Greek Cypriots to really negotiate with the Turkish Cypriots
should continue, President Talat said these were necessary in
order to be powerful at the negotiation table.
Talat said with the strength given by martyrs, Turkish Cypriots
could achieve these and walk towards the future in security.
