Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Turkish government was endeavoring to remove unjust blockade on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

"If a common future is envisaged between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots, it is not possible to build this future by imposing blockade on Turkish Cypriots unjustly," Erdogan told reporters prior to his departure from Ankara's Esenboga Airport.

Erdogan said this was his first formal visit abroad as the prime minister of the 61st government.

Erdogan said the peace operation which the Turkish Armed Forces launched in 1974 under its rights and obligations stemming from international agreements, guaranteed presence, security, rights and freedom of the Turkish Cypriots and brought peace, democracy and stability to Cyprus Island and East Mediterranean.

Erdogan said he would meet with TRNC President Dervis Eroglu, Parliament Speaker Hasan Bozer, Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk as well as high ranking officials and leaders of political parties.

"We expect the result of the talks to become definite in the next few months in the comprehensive talks that have been continuing for three years. As you all know, Turkish party did what was necessary to achieve a fair, lasting and comprehensive solution.

It is still displaying a stance favoring solution. There is no difference of opinion between Turkey and TRNC.

Turkish government will continue to support sincere and constructive efforts of the Turkish Cypriot party under the leadership of Mr. Eroglu," Erdogan said.

Erdogan said Greek Cypriot people should also take steps to achieve peace.

Erdogan said he would attend opening of various investment projects during the visit, underlining that, "we are resolved to take every kind of measures to ensure tranquility and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people.

We will continue to stand by our Turkish Cypriot brothers as it happened in the past. We will never leave the Turkish Cypriot people alone in their rightful cause."

AA