MALATYA

Turkish Cypriot Finance Minister Ersin Tatar on Tuesday said that they had left behind Annan Plan.
Speaking to reporters while visiting the Governor of south-eastern province of Malatya, Ersin Tatar said that they were now involved in crucial projects with the Republic of Turkey and concerned with how the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) could be further developed.
"TRNC was established by making great sacrifices. The Republic of Turkey has made highly valuable and crucial contributions to the TRNC which made it possible to reach the point where we are today," Tatar stated.
"Turkey's contributions do continue. What is important is to help the TRNC survive in reaching an atmosphere of stability in Eastern Mediterranean," Tatar underlined.
"We are thankful to the Turkish government for their active support to and efforts made for the Turkish Cypriots," Tatar stressed.
"The Republic of Turkey's stability in recent years, their becoming a regional political and economic power have all led to a rise in our self-confidence," Tatar also said.
Governor Vasip Sahin, in his part, said that Cyprus as an island had a special place in the hearts of the Turkish nation.
"The Turkish Cypriots are an important community with ancestral ties to the Turks. We look at Cyprus as an island of education, an island of brotherhood and an island of relaxation," Sahin stated.
"Malatya is the second home of the Turkish Cypriots. This is how we feel about the Turkish Cypriots in your presence," Sahin added.