The time is approaching when the Cyprus issue will be resolved by creating two separate states and the rights of Turkish Cypriots will be respected, said Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacer at the opening of the technological event “Technofest“ (TEKNOFEST) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognized only by Ankara, TRT Haber reported, BTA reports.
Minister Kacer gave a speech at the opening of the technological event “Technofest“, which is held from May 1 to 4 on the territory of the old “Ercan“ airport near Nicosia. The event is expected to showcase the latest achievements of the Turkish industry in the field of aviation and space technology.
During his speech, Kacer emphasized that “thanks to the fact that over 100,000 students are studying at the universities in the TRNC, this territory can become a center for technological progress that serves the whole world“.
“The time is approaching, the establishment of lasting peace and stability on this beautiful island (Cyprus) is inevitable, soon the Cyprus issue will be resolved by the creation of two separate states and the rights of the Turkish Cypriots will be respected“, Kacer added, emphasizing that “Turkish Cypriots will not compromise their rights and sovereignty“.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 after the invasion of the Turkish army in response to a coup by Greek nationalists. In 1983, the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was declared in the northern part of the island, but remains recognized only by Ankara. The island is a key source of disagreement between Greece and Turkey, NATO allies.
Despite their agreement to confidence-building measures, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots remain at odds over how any solution to the issue would work. Greek Cypriots want a federation - a model also envisaged in UN resolutions - while Turkish Cypriots advocate a two-state solution, arguing that decades of failed negotiations have proven the federal model unworkable.