The National Defence Minister of Türkiye Hulusi Akar has said that Türkiye will continue to support and stand by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The Turkish minister’s remarks came during a speech he delivered at the reception held in Ankara to celebrate the 39th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The National Defence Minister of Türkiye Hulusi Akar addressed the TRNC National Day reception held in Ankara on Monday night and pointed to the strong ties that exist between the TRNC and Türkiye.
He said that the Turkish Cypriots, who showed their determination to work and to determine their own destiny, came to this point after many struggles.
“As the State of the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Armed Forces, we have stood by our Turkish Cypriot brothers and will continue to do so. We have supported the just cause of our Turkish Cypriot brothers until today, and we will continue to support them with the same determination, no one should doubt our determination” said Akar.
Stating that everyone in Cyprus has gained comfort, peace and security with the Cyprus Peace Operation, Akar said that Cyprus is Türkiye’s national cause and that Türkiye has fulfilled its duty within the framework of the guarantor and alliance agreements, and will continue to do so in the future as well.
Stating that Türkiye and the TRNC have shown that they are in favour of peace at every opportunity, Akar said, “This should be seen especially by third parties. We expect third parties to see the realities objectively and impartially and grant Turkish Cypriots their rights”.
Explaining that the only way permanent peace and stability can be obtained in the region is through the acceptance of the sovereignty, independence, rights and laws of the TRNC and the Turkish Cypriot people, Akar said “We have all seen that there cannot be a solution unless these are accepted”.
Noting that after half a century of negotiations, peace had not been reached on the island, he said that upon this development Türkiye made its decision that there are two sovereign and independent states in Cyprus.
“Now the issue is not the establishment of this state, but the recognition of this established state” he said.
Also touching upon the importance of the TRNC being granted observer status at the Organization of Turkic States, he said that Türkiye will continue to do all it can for peace and stability in the region.
“Everyone should know that we will not allow our rights or those of our Turkish Cypriot brothers to be violated” said Akar.