The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey, Emine Colak, told Vestnik Kavkaza that she has high hopes for Russia in the settlement of the Cyprus issue.
"Northern Cyprus attaches great importance to relations with Russia. Russia is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. It can play a very important role in the settlement of the Cyprus problem. The active involvement of Russia can be an effective aid for the settlement of the conflict," she said, adding that Turkish Cypriots are waiting for support from Russia.
Noting the authority and the decisive role of Russia in the settlement of conflicts in the region, the Minister drew attention to the fact that currently there is a need to solve the Cyprus issue. "An active participation in the negotiating process, will give not only the Greek Cypriots but also the Turkish people of the island a real chance to resolve the problem," Colak said.
She also appreciated the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the ways to resolve the crisis on the island.
"We as North Cyprus give great importance to relations with Russia in all directions. The active involvement of key countries, including Russia, in the process of the settlement of the conflict will make an important contribution to solving the problem. It is necessary that someone will hear us," the minister noted.
Talking about ways to solve the conflict, the Foreign Minister expressed the view that the dispute should be resolved according to agreed parameters. "It is the creation of a federal state, which will include the two countries. The Turks are not a minority in Cyprus. Maybe we have fewer numbers, but we cannot be considered as a minority on political parameters. The island belongs to us all. And we also have the right to live here. We have suffered for years because of this problem. I think that the time has come to resolve the conflict. Both communities have to find a middle ground for the common bright future of the island," Emine Colak summarized.
