President Ersin Tatar on Tuesday highlighted the importance of strengthening the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Tatar who came together with youth at a gathering titled “the Turkish Cypriots struggle for existence on the island from past to present” as part of his contacts in Konya, said that Turkey supported the TRNC at every level.
“Consequently, we are together and united with Turkey,” he said
Stressing that Turkey and the TRNC were capable of protecting their national interests in the Blue Homeland and the Eastern Mediterranean, he said “I am someone who loves Turkey and feels close to Turkey. I am someone who favours enhancing cooperation not only at a political level but with civil society organizations, municipalities and other institutions. I especially want to increase the youngsters’ awareness on the Cyprus cause, our national cause.”
Stating that there were many aspects of the Cyprus Issue which needed to be discussed; Tatar said that Turkey and the TRNC were further integrating as means of communication develop.
Regarding a settlement, President Ersin Tatar said that the Turkish Cypriot side was advocating a two-state solution as this was what international law was dictating.
Responding to questions from participants, Tatar reminded that Maraş had remained closed for 47 years adding that they were working towards changing this.
“The existence and support of Turkey is particularly important when we look at the realities in Cyprus. Therefore, I shared this view with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. We are reopening Maraş to prevent unjust treatment and to enable former residents to return to their properties. Of course within the borders of the TRNC,” the president said.
As part of his other contacts in Konya, Tatar attended a play staged by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality City Theatre.
Expressing how happy he was for visiting Konya, he said “we are the people of the same nation. We are working towards preparing for the future in full harmony with motherland Turkey.
Tatar also visited the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden and the Konya Organized Industrial Zone.