STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ASSOC.PROF.MR.TURGAY AVCI

Following extensive efforts and initiatives by our side as well as the third parties concerned, the Greek Cypriot administration demolished last night the “wall of shame”. This is a positive development as a step forward towards the opening of the Lokmacı Crossing.

Our Ministry has resolutely raised the issue of the Lokmacı Crossing and accordingly the obligation of the Greek Cypriot side to demolish the “wall of shame”, before third parties on various occasions; We have adamantly maintained our position by explaining our righteous demand that we have carried our own share of responsibility concerning the opening of the Lokmacı Crossing and that it was the Greek Cypriot leadership required to take reciprocal steps. Our efforts have finally yielded results.  Our resolved attitude coupled with the initiatives and pressures of the relevant third parties, in particular the EU and USA, towards the demolition of the “wall of shame” have been influential on the Greek Cypriot side’s move.

We are of the expectation that the Greek Cypriot side will proceed with the step it has taken and henceforth engage in cooperation for putting the Lokmacı Crossing to the service of both peoples, as is the case with other crossing points.

We believe that the opening of the Lokmacı Crossing to reciprocal crossings following the completion of the necessary preparations will contribute positively towards the much deserved revitalization of the city of Lefkoşa.

We hope that that the crossing will open as soon as possible without any further hindrance from  the Greek Cypriot side.

As is known, the Turkish Cypriot side had demonstrated its determination and good will concerning the opening of the Lokmacı Crossing to reciprocal crossings by dismantling the footbridge.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has taken the necessary steps for the development of relations between the two peoples in the past and shall continue to do so. We anticipate that the Greek Cypriot leadership will reciprocate our goodwill and leave aside the preconditions allow the opening of Lokmacı Crossing to be put into service of both peoples without further delay.

As the Turkish Cypriot side, our objective is to reach a just and lasting comprehensive settlement on the Island. We shall continue our work and initiatives in this direction with determination.

9 March 2007, Lefkoşa