‘TRNC stands by Turkey in fight against terrorism'

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Turkey’s Justice Minister praised Wednesday Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for giving support to Turkey in its fight against terrorism.

Speaking in a joint press conference with Turkish Cypriot Interior Minister Aysegul Baybars in his official visit to TRNC, Abdulhamit Gul said: “TRNC stands by Turkey in its fight against terrorism.”

“We have once again reiterated our commitment to joint struggle with all terrorist organizations, especially with FETO,” Gul said.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Underlining the bond of brotherhood between Turkey and the TRNC, Gul stressed that Turkey will not hesitate to take steps to protect acquired rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

In 1974, following a coup aiming at Cyprus’ annexation by Greece, Ankara had to intervene as a guarantor power. In 1983, the TRNC was founded.

The decades since then have seen several attempts to resolve the dispute, all ending in failure. The latest one, held with the participation of the guarantor countries -- Turkey, Greece, and the U.K. -- ended in 2017 in Switzerland.

Abdulhamit Gul also met separately President Mustafa Akinci, Parliament Speaker Teberruken Ulucay and Prime Minister Ersin Tatar during his one-day visit to TRNC.

* Writing by Zehra Nur Duz