ANKARA (AA) - Greek Cypriots must act with good intentions and recognise Turkish presence on Cyprus, says Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek.
Speaking to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Dervis Eroglu on Thursday, Cicek said Cyprus remains as one of Turkey's most important foreign policy issues and Greece should seize its hand of peace.
"We have not seen any positive developments (from the Greek side) in this regard so far, nor have we seen much good intention. They do nothing further but stall the process. ... Everybody must see that you (the Turkish side) are the ones that want a resolution. And we are with you. It is the other side which wants otherwise."
Cicek stressed the price Turkey had paid on the island.
"There is a (Turkish Cypriot) government there, and it was not easy to establish either. It took a long struggle and heavy prices were paid in the process. It (the Turkish Cypriot government) has been there for the past 30 years. This must be recognized."
He said if peace is to be established, it must be "permanent and fair," not just for the sake of it and commended the TRNC for its efforts.
"You (the Turkish Cypriot side) have always endeavoured to establish a permanent peace, and Turkey supports your efforts. As the Turkish Parliament, we have always stood by your decisions, and will continue to do so."
"Peace must be established on the basis of political equality," he added.
TRNC leader Eroglu confirmed his and his people's faith in Turkey, adding that the TRNC had maintained a compromising attitude towards its neighbours - proof being its adoption of the United Nations' agreement text.
The agreement calls for the establishment of a unified pluralistic federated republic, with both the Turkish and Greek population holding equal rights.
"Our biggest advantage is that we have a just cause and a strong homeland backing us," Eroglu said. "The growth of the Turkish economy, the development of democracy, and Turkey's role as an international power have always excited the TRNC and made it strong."
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