Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci says marking the anniversary of the declaration of the breakaway regime in the north does not impede negotiations for reaching a federal settlement on the island.
Akinci was speaking on Sunday, November 15, which is the day Turkish Cypriots mark the anniversary of declaring their own state.
The Turkish Cypriot leader also said that the Greek Cypriot side should not look down upon the fact that Turkish Cypriots in the north try to make improvements in their domain, adding that they seek political equality, security, and bizonality while at the same time showing understanding to the sensitivities of Greek Cypriots.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu sent a letter to congratulate Akinci, saying a solution to the Cyprus problem must secure “equal status” between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.
Davutoglu also said in his letter that Turkey has managed to give security to Turkish Cypriots.
Akinci also said that Turkish Cypriots have shown good will on numerous times regarding Confidence Building Measures (CBM), such as banning passport control at checking points.
