TRNC's 26th aaniversary celevrated with top officials pledging Ankara's continued support to Turkish Cypriots

The 26th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was celebrated over the weekend with ceremonies in the capital Lefkosa. Speaking at a ceremony marking the anniversary, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek and Mustafa Isen, the secretary-general of Turkey's Presidency, TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat said they have been making intensive efforts to reach a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, calling for the Greek Cypriot administration to respect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. Stressing that the Cyprus has been a homeland for Turks for nearly 500 years, Talat said that solving the Cyprus issue would be the greatest contribution of both the Turkish and Greek Cypriots to humanity. Stating that Turkey has remarkably raised its international clout and influence in recent years, Talat said Turkey's efforts to solve the issue turned the situation in the Turkish Cypriots' favor. Also speaking at the meeting, Cicek said, "Turkey wants a solution to the Cyprus issue, but this doesn't mean reaching a solution regardless of its shortcomings." Stressing that the current comprehensive negotiations can't go on forever, as the current window of opportunity will close, Cicek said, "Turkey will not support a solution to the issue that could harm the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people." He also stressed that Turkey will not forsake its rights and responsibilities as a guarantor country and the homeland of the Turkish Cypriots. During the ceremony, President Abdullah Gul's message marking the anniversary was read out as well. In his message, Gul said, "As a guarantor country and the homeland, Turkey will continue to support the Turkish Cypriot people in its struggle for its legitimate rights, freedom and prosperity, and to completely carry out its responsibilities arising from the guarantorship mechanism."