Northern Cyprus determined to seek 'reconciliation'

By Murat Demirci

Lefkosia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Tuesday asserted the country’s determination to seek peace on the island.

Speaking to Bayrak Radio and Television on the eve of the 34th anniversary of the declaration of the TRNC, Mustafa Akinci said: "As long as the Cyprus issue continues, the search for reconciliation will continue."

But Akinci said Northern Cyprus can no longer "allow" peace talks to go on for 50 years without any results.

He added that a "transformation of the perception on political equality" is a must, adding: "Because since the very beginning, the Turkish Cypriots have been the side that has shown the willingness for a solution."

The Eastern Mediterranean island has been divided since 1974, when a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by violence against the island's Turks, and Ankara's intervention as a guarantor power.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared on Nov. 15, 1983.

Turkey blamed Greek Cypriot intransigence after the latest peace initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Turkey, Greece, and Britain collapsed this July.

Greek Cypriot voters also rejected the Annan peace plan in a 2004 referendum that was approved by Turkish Cypriot voters.