Interview by Faud Safarov. Exclusively to VK
The Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Husain Ozgurgun, told VK that the Turkish army has brought peace to the island both for Turks and Greeks, and also spoke about the injustice of the embargo on Northern Cyprus.
- What is the message from Cypriot Turks to the international community?
- As Cypriot Turks, we want see an all-round settlement on the island of Cyprus. We want to be equal partners, we want to live in peace. We continue our work despite this confrontation. But our efforts are insufficient, the Greek side should participate in them. Everybody has to admit that in the north of the island there is a state of Cypriot Turks. We will continue our contradiction. We address the international community and urge the cancellation of the unjust embargo. The embargo means the isolation of Cypriot Turks due to the initiatives and policy of the Greek side. We cannot launch direct air flights, we cannot implement trade with other countries except for Turkey. We have no connection with the world. We even cannot participate in world sporting events.
- The Greek side considers Cypriot Turks to be a minority…
- We have been living on the island for centuries. I suggest studying historic sources. How could it happen that we fought against foreign intervention together, but now Turks are “a minority” and Greeks are “the majority”? The island belongs to both nations, and in the north there is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
- The Greek side called the Turkish army based in the north of the island “occupiers.”
- Since 1974 the Turkish army has implemented a peacemaking operation. It has brought peace and calm to the island. This peace was both for Turks and Greeks. I would like to draw your attention to an important fact: we fought against England together with the Greeks. Then Greeks began to develop political intrigues for consolidation of Cyprus and Greece. The secret plans on elimination of the Turks turned into direct military activities. Turks were attacked. Chaos reigned on Cyprus. Turkey had to organize a peacemaking operation. The Turkish army provides security for us.
- What is your next objective?
- Today the financial crisis is growing in the south of the island. But in Turkey the economy is stable. Of course, this positively influences the TRNC. We are making important steps in all spheres, due to support of Turkey. The Cypriot Turk side is ready for a new partnership with the Greek side on the basis of the UN. But the embargo must be lifted as soon as possible.
