Turkey supports peaceful solution in Cyprus, says PM

ANKARA

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that Turkey was ready to support a peaceful solution in Cyprus.

"We are ready to make all kinds of contributions for a permanent, fair and peaceful solution," said Davutoglu on Tuesday during a joint press conference with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mustafa Akinci in Lefkosa.

"The Turkish Republic is one of the primary components of the solution in Cyprus with other guarantor countries and will not abstain from taking necessary steps for a final solution," Davutoglu said.

He stated that if Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots can come together and reach a solution, it will change the Eastern Mediterranean's fate and turn it into an area of prosperity.

"Turkey's close interest and support will be with us during the upcoming negotiation process," Akinci said.

He also added that a solution in Cyprus will improve the relations between Turkey and the EU and rid the Eastern Mediterranean of possible tensions.

Akinci, whose election in April seems to have given a boost in peace talks, said the island’s two communities would establish a joint education committee to bridge both sides and create a "peace culture".

Further talks will be held on Dec. 4, a day after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is due to arrive to encourage the UN-facilitated talks. British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond recently held talks with both leaders and said the "stars are beginning to align" for a solution in Cyprus.

In September, Akinci said he wanted to see Cyprus adopt a federal structure of two zones.

The island was divided after a 1974 military coup in Greece led to Turkey’s intervention. Northern Cyprus declared its independence in 1983.