The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and his accompanying delegation within the framework of their contacts in the TRNC, yesterday (19 February) visited Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý.

Speaking during the meeting, Ihsanoglu stated that he had the opportunity to receive broad and detailed information about the Cyprus issue in his first official visit to the TRNC.

Pointing out that despite the isolation, in recent years there had been development and vitality in economic, educational, commercial and social fields in the TRNC, Ihsanoglu said it was time to reach a political settlement in Cyprus.

Ihsanoglu stressing that the world’s public opinion should acknowledge the struggle given by the Turkish Cypriots since 1960, said the Turkish Cypriots should be given all their constitutional rights and a solution on the basis of equality and political will should be reached as soon as possible.

Referring to the embargoes and isolation imposed upon the Turkish Cypriots, the Secretary General pointed to the fact that Turkish Cypriots by saying “yes” to the Annan plan proved that they were in favour of a solution and added that the OIC also supported a solution on legal basis.

For his part, Foreign Minister Avcý reminding his recent contacts in Jeddah stated that during the meeting between the delegations they had prepared a road map for the process to be followed regarding the Cyprus issue and agreed to act in cooperation for following up the decisions taken in the OIC.

Foreign Minister Avcý pointed out that some new decisions were taken by the OIC couple of days ago and they would spend effort for the implementation of these decisions.

The Conference entitled “Environment: Survival and Sustainability” organized by the Near East University started yesterday (19 January).

During the conference, 1400 papers from 108 countries would be presented and the conference would continue for 5 days. The environment’s relation with science and technology, influence of economic development on the environment, water resources, energy, ecological balance and global warming as well as health problems related to the environment are amongst the issues to be taken up during the conference.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Conference President Mehmet Ali Talat pointed to the fact that the environment and environmental problems played an important role in bringing people together, stated that the Turkish Cypriots, who had been struggling against the heavy isolation in all fields including the environment, knew more than anyone else the importance of the integrating with the world.

President Talat drawing attention to the fact that the Greek Cypriot side was refraining from making cooperation with Turkish Cypriots even on the issue of bird flu, said: “Turkish Cypriots are struggling for integrating with the world in spite of the Greek Cypriots’ pressure.”

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the Conference, the OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu called upon the universities in OIC member countries as well as the universities and academic circles in the world to cooperate with the Turkish Cypriot universities. He also called upon the OIC member countries to lift the isolation imposed upon the Turkish Cypriots.

Pointing out that the OIC was aware of the importance of the environment, Ihsanoglu stated that they had prepared a 10-year “Action Plan” for Islamic countries which was accepted during the extraordinary assembly meeting in Mecca in 2005.

“We want to integrate and live in peace with the world and to exist with our own national and communal identity”, Prime Minister Soyer said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý for his part expressing pleasure that such an organization was made for the protection of the environment and for science, said: “There is a need for courageous scientists for the future of the world and our children. These scientists should struggle for humanity and global environment in spite of political pressures.”

Drawing attention to the need for urgent steps to be taken regarding the global warming, Avcý stated that all humanity should struggle in cooperation on this issue.

TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat stating that, some countries and organizations were trying to prevent the close, friendly ties and cooperation between TRNC and Kyrgyzstan said however, Kyrgyzstan was displaying a very determined and coherent stance. President stressed that they were very pleased from Kyrgyzstan’s attitude towards the Turkish Cypriot people.

President Talat received Kirghiz delegation headed by Kyrgyzstan Culture Minister Sultan Raev, who came to the TRNC as the guest of TRNC National Education and Culture Minister Canan Oztoprak.

Raev speaking during the visit said, since last two years a very strong cooperation was established between the TRNC and Kyrgyzstan.

Raev stressing that although some countries has shown a big reaction to this, cooperation between the two countries continued, and at the conference organized in the Central Asia by the Turkic Republics all states shared same views with regard to Turkish Cypriots and decided to continue with similar conferences.

Sultan Raev stating that in order to inform the Kirghiz people about the North Cyprus they carried out campaigns in the media added that MPs, who visited the TRNC last year during their visit received detailed information about the TRNC. Raev also explained that they supported President Talat who was appointed as the President in 2005.

Raev stressed that the existing cooperation bridge between the two countries would be strengthened because the two peoples have common roots.

The President pointing to the existing solidarity between the two countries, having common roots said, they established close friendly relations with Kyrgyzstan.

President Talat stated that some countries and organizations, which isolate the Turkish Cypriots and exert pressure on them, at the same time, try to prevent Kyrgyzstan from establishing close relations with the TRNC. President added that in spite of these behaviors, Kyrgyzstan has shown a very determined and coherent stance and it was the Turkish Cypriot Authorities responsibility to thank the Kirghiz people and their governors.