TURKISH DEPUTY PREMIER SAYS TURKEY WANTS TO MAINTAIN PRESENCE IN CYPRUS

Anadolu Agency
May 24 2010
Turkey

Lefkosa, 24 May 2010: Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Bulent Arinc said on Sunday [23 May] that Turkey had gained strength
thanks to its political and economic stability.

Arinc delivered a speech at a seminar held at the Near East University
(YDU) in Lefkosa, which was also attended by TRNC’s President Dervis
Eroglu; Parliament Speaker Hasan Bozer; Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk;
Turkish Ambassador in Lefkosa Sakir Fakili; several Turkish Cypriot
ministers and deputies, as well as Anadolu Agency’s Director General
Dr Hilmi Bengi.

Commenting on the developments in TRNC during his speech, Arinc said,
“We want to maintain our presence in TRNC and we want to stand on
our feet”.

Noting that Turkish Cypriots had suffered a lot in the past, Arinc
said, “Some were disturbed by our presence and they wanted to destroy
us. However, we are here today and we are strong”.

Arinc said that TRNC should continue to display efforts together with
Turkey for the acknowledgment of its rightful cause by the world.

He also said any agreement or solution to be reached in Cyprus should
provide the Turkish Cypriots the opportunity to carry on with their
presence.

Pointing to Turkey’s “zero-problem policy” with its neighbours as well,
Arinc said Turkey had signed agreements with Greece, was about to
lift visa procedures with Russia, kept good relations with Bulgaria
and Balkan countries, continued efforts to get closer with Armenia
and established close ties with Syria.

“Turkey has grown and gained strength. This happened thanks to the
political and economic stability in the country,” Arinc said.

After the seminar, Arinc attended a dinner hosted by Turkish Cypriot
Prime Minister Kucuk.

The Turkish deputy premier is expected to depart from TRNC on Monday.

From: A. Papazian