The Turkish Cypriot President said on Tuesday that the end of 2010 would be a milestone in Cyprus peace talks.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Lefkosa to mark the July 20th Peace and Freedom Day, President Dervis Eroglu of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said that the peace operation staged on July 20, 1974 was a historic event that had left days of slavery, pain and massacre behind.

Pointing to the strategic importance of Cyprus, Eroglu said Turkey's military existence in the island was not only a requirement for the security of Turkish Cypriots, but also for the preservation of peace in the island.

"Therefore, the continuation of Turkey's effective guarantorship in an agreement to be reached in Cyprus is of great importance. This will continue to be a red line for Turkish Cypriots," he said.

Noting that his country's economic development would continue, President Eroglu said, "The formation of a self-sufficient economy will provide the strongest foundation for the existence of our nation on this territory for long years".

Commenting on the ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus, Eroglu said that TRNC, together with Turkey and under the auspices of the UN, tried to fulfill its responsibilities in an effort to reach a successful result in the peace talks.

"Above all things, the Greek Cypriot party should understand that some elements of the Cyprus dispute cannot be isolated from the comprehensive negotiations and assessed in favor of a single nation," Eroglu said.

Eroglu also noted that the Greek Cypriot party should accept Turkish Cypriots as an addressee if it desired a solution in the island.

Expressing the importance of political will and leadership for a settlement, Eroglu said, "If we act responsibly as leaders, a solution can be reached by the end of this year".

Pointing to the elections to be held in the Greek part of Cyprus next year, Eroglu said the issue might be postponed for a long time if negotiations extended to the following year.

"Therefore, end of the year is a milestone," he said.

"I call all the international actors and the Greek Cypriot party to see this reality: Turkish Cypriots do not deserve to be sentenced to a deadlock," Eroglu added.
 

AA