FOREIGN MINISTER AVCI RETURNED TO THE TRNC

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý who paid a one day visit to Germany, returned to the Republic yesterday (7 November).

According to the information received from the Deputy Prime Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Press Office, Foreign Minister Avcý within the framework of his contacts in Germany met with German Liberal Party (FDP) Berlin Provincial Chairman, Member of the European Commission and Vice-Chairman of the European Liberal Democratic Party (ELDR) Markus Löning and FDP’s senior politician Rainer Brüdesili at the German Parliament Union in Berlin.

During the meeting, Avcý briefed the Parliamentarians on the Cyprus problem and explained that the Cyprus problem began in 1963 when the Greek Cypriots attempted to destroy the partnership republic and not in 1974 as the Greek Cypriot side alleged.

Expressing the Turkish Cypriots’ expectations with regard to the isolation and embargoes, Avcý reminded the promises given by the EU to the Turkish Cypriots during the referendum process and stressed that these promises should be kept.

For his part, Markus Löning stating that the EU did not keep its promises said this was wrong.

Before leaving Berlin, Foreign Minister Avcý responded to the questions of the Reuters News Agency on the Cyprus issue and he particularly gave information about the recent relations started with Syria and the Middle East.

Foreign Minister Avcý also attended a press conference organized by local media representatives in Berlin and responded to the questions regarding the Cyprus problem.

 

PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ARRIVED DIRECTLY AT ERCAN AIRPORT WITH A PRIVATE PLANE

The delegation which is headed by the President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which operates as an OIC institution, Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdullah Kamel arrived in the TRNC yesterday and was greeted by Foreign Minister Turgay Avcý at the Ercan Airport.

Upon his arrival at Ercan Airport, Sheikh Saleh stated that he was pleased to meet with his brothers in the TRNC.

Pointing out that they should more common things with the TRNC, Sheikh Saleh said Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry wanted to make cooperation with the TRNC.

Sheikh Saleh also expressed hope that his visit would be the beginning of a strong cooperation with the TRNC.

Welcoming the delegation at the Ercan Airport, Foreign Minister Turgay Avcý pointed to the increase in visits paid to the TRNC by OIC representatives as a result of the Foreign Ministry’s intense efforts.

Foreign Minister Avcý said the visit has a great importance in terms of contributing to the efforts aimed at removing the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people and promoting the rightful position of the TRNC within the international community.

Foreign Minister Avcý explained that the contacts of the delegation will be based on the discussion of possible initiatives to be taken towards increasing the volume of trade and improving relations in other fields between the TRNC and OIC member countries. He added that they would also evaluate the issue of exporting TRNC goods to OIC countries and the countries in the Gulf region.

Avcý pointed out that Sheikh Saleh and his accompanying delegation would meet with the TRNC Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Industry in order to discuss the ways to increase trade opportunities between the TRNC and the OIC member countries.

Foreign Minister also stated that the TRNC continues its comprehensive works to improve its relations with OIC states further and to maintain cooperation.

Avcý also announced that an international forum will be held in the TRNC in spring 2008 entitled ‘Development of Tourism in the Islamic World’. He said the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the OIC member states will provide support to the forum.

OIC member countries will be responsible for coordinating the invitations to be sent to tourism agencies operating in OIC states in consultation with the TRNC Foreign Ministry while the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be providing technical assistance.