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

The Greek Cypriot administration which has recently stepped up its rearmament efforts by risking to deepen the mistrust between the two peoples, has started to carry out the scheduled Nikiforos military exercise of the “Greek Cypriot National Guard”.

As you will recall, the Greek Cypriot administration has been carrying out exercises for the last three years in violation of the agreement signed for putting an end to military exercises. During the military exercise organized this year, the Greek Cypriot administration is displaying its armament systems by paying hundreds of millions of Cyprus Pound.

At a time when support for the efforts to find a solution within the framework of UN parameters such as political equality, bi-zonality and new partnership in Cyprus is most needed, the Greek Cypriot administration’s activities having a potential to create mistrust and tension on the island and Eastern Mediterranean, clearly demonstrates Greek Cypriot side’s position on the Cyprus issue. The exercise carried out by the Greek Cypriot National Guard proves the insincere stance of the Greek Cypriot side regarding a settlement.

The Turkish Cypriot side supports the efforts to put an end to military exercises within the framework of the previously signed agreement as this would contribute to establish confidence between the two sides. However, the Greek Cypriot side’s insistence to unilaterally violate the aforementioned agreement is unacceptable for the Turkish Cypriot side.

10 October 2007, Lefkoşa.