Turkish National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said that they expected everyone to comprehend Turkey’s position in favour of a solution based on two states that are equal, independent and sovereign, and contribute to efforts in implementing such a solution.

Stressing that the Turkish Armed Forces was in Cyprus to safeguard the peace and security of the Turkish Cypriot people, Akar said Turkey will continue to protect and defend its rights in line with international treaties.

Speaking during a special ceremony held at an airbase in Kayseri for Turkish troops returning from Afghanistan, the Turkish Defence Minister said that the Turkish Armed Forces waged a determined effort against domestic and foreign threats, risks and dangers with determination.

“We respect the sovereignty and rights of our neighbours. Our only aim is to protect our rights and the security of our country and our people. We have been working to this end in the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean and in Cyprus. We want to be friends with our Greek neighbours. We want to improve our relations with them within the framework of international law, through dialogue and finding political solutions to our problems” Akar said.

Reminding that Turkey was one of the three guarantor powers in Cyprus, he said “we’re not interested about how other guarantor powers act but as the Republic of Turkey we are aware of our responsibilities and our duties as a guarantor power. We have fulfilled our obligations to this date and will continue to do so. We used and will continue to use our legitimate rights stemming from international law.”