Islamabad. 16th November 2021:
Dear Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Tonight we are celebrating the 38th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
38 years ago today, we established our state, which is theconcrete expression of Turkish Cypriot people’s freedom and sovereignty with the support of motherland Turkey and theAnatolian Community. The Turkish Cypriots have been able to reach these days by protecting their values, beliefs andnational identity, despite all the tragic events.
We are proud that, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus progressed in many fields with its democracy, economy, respect to social equality, human rights and independence. Our country has been at the forefront of the Eastern Mediterranean in Higher Education and Tourism, which are the two main sectors of our economy.
In regard to Cyprus Problem, many efforts have beenmade and failed over the past five decades through numerousrounds of United Nations facilitated negotiations, despite thecontinuous good will and constructive approach shown by theTurkish Cypriot side. These efforts aimed to reach an agreement under a “bi-zonal and bi-communal federation” based on political equality of the two sides. The last-ditcheffort in this direction ended with no result in Crans Montanain 2017 due to Greek Cypriot reluctuncy to share power and prosperity. This proved one more time that trying to reach a solution with the existing parameters was yielding no results.
In line with the calls made by UN Secretary General, wehave tabled our new vision regarding the Cyprus issue at the5+UN informal meeting in Geneva in April this year, whichwould bring the much-needed stability, security and cooperation in and around our island with a win-win approach.
The essence of our proposal is to secure the inherentsovereign equality and equal international status of the Stateof the Turkish Cypriot people, which would constitute a newbasis for the parties to start formal negotiations for a freelynegotiated and mutually acceptable cooperative relationship.Experience in the past negotiations undoubtedly suggests thatestablishing equilibrium between the two sides, prior topossible formal negotiations is a prerequisite.
Leveling the playing field means to rectify decades longinjustice done against the Turkish Cypriot people. Theinjustice serves no purpose but treats the Greek Cypriot side as if it represents the entire island and allows it to perpetuate thestatus quo on the island at the expense of the Turkish Cypriotpeople who live under isolation.
We believe that our new vision registered in Genevawould break the deadlock in the decades-long negotiationsconducted on the same basis and modalities.
I would like to emphasize with appreciation that our newvision on the Cyprus issue as well as our policies in the regionhas always been in harmony with our motherland Turkey.
On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot People, I would also like to thank the brotherly state of Pakistan for its support in our cause.
On this meaningful occasion, may Allah rest the souls of those that gave their lives for the independence of the Turkish Cypriots and I would like to express our respect and gratitudeto all our Veterans.
Thank you very much once again for honouring our reception and wish you all enjoy the rest of the evening.
HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY!