Turkey hopes that the Turkish and Greek administrations in Cyprus will return to talks from the point at which they left off, Turkish Deputy PM said on Friday.
Speaking at the ceremony for the 30th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in Lefkosa, Turkey's Deputy PM Besir Atalay said Turkey would continue to back the TRNC in every way possible.
"Turkey hopes that both sides in Cyprus restart negotiations from the point at which they left off and a referandum will be held in 2014," he said in emphasizing Turkey's readiness to help the process to result in a permanent solution based on equality.
"The Cyprus dispute is half-a-century old," said Atalay, highlighting the right-minded endeavour the Turkish community made notwithstanding the oppression and injustice encountered.
Atalay said the current situation could not be allowed to go on forever, adding, "Coming to a mutual agreement by securing unconditional equality between Turks and Greeks, who are the joint owners of the island, is among our primary aims."
Atalay also criticised the Greek side for hindering a joint statement which was expected to launch a new round of peace talks.
"The Greek side's demands to change the basis and procedure of the talks rendered an agreement on a joint statement impossible," said Atalay.
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