The Turkish Ministry of National Defence emphasized that the only solution in Cyprus is a two state solution based on sovereign equality, living side by side and in cooperation.

In a press briefing Major Pınar Kara, the Planning Officer of the Ministry of National Defence Press and Public Relations Department also touched upon the Cyprus issue by saying that it should be clearly seen that up until now the methods used to find a solution in Cyprus have yielded no results.

“It must be understood by all parties that the negotiations in Cyprus cannot proceed without the acceptance of two equal, sovereign and independent states in Cyprus. A two state solution based on sovereign equality, living side by side and cooperating is the only possible solution. The Greek Cypriot Administration’s adoption of this solution will be beneficial for the peace and prosperity of the island,” she said.

Kara also noted that the Turkish Armed Forces will continue to protect the rights and interests of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean and to be the guarantor of peace and security in Cyprus in line with international guarantees and alliance agreements.

“Despite all our calls within the framework of good neighbourly relations, Greece continues its actions that degrade the status of the non-military Eastern Aegean islands” said Kara and reiterated that Turkey will do everything to protect the rights and interests of its country and that of the TRNC.