CHP Chairperson Özgür Özel: Embargo must be lifted

The Chairperson of the Republican People's Party Özgür Özel, met with the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar at the Presidential Office.

- "IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CYPRUS IS INVITED TO INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS"

Özgür Özel, Chairperson of the Republican People's Party, said, "Of course, we would like to underline the following, especially in today's conditions. Cyprus is dealing with isolation and an embargo. The continuation of this embargo is insincere considering the promises made to TRNC in the past and this must be lifted. We think that even inviting Cyprus as an observer to some international meetings is important."

In his meeting with TRNC President Ersin Tatar, Özel said, "Today is the 40th anniversary of the TRNC and the Republic Day. We were together at the official ceremonies in the morning. Once again, we congratulate the anniversary of all our citizens living in the TRNC on your behalf. I would like to introduce the delegation we came here today. Gamze Taşcıer, İlhan Uzgel and Namık Tan. When the Republican People's Party held its first congress, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk said that this was the second congress and the hall was surprised. He said, 'We had held the 1st one in Sivas.' 4 September 1919 Sivas Congress was our first congress and that congress had given us a mission. The task of liberating our country from enemy occupation and establishing a republic, a state. The Republican People's Party duly fulfilled the task of that congress. Atatürk calls CHP one of my two great works. We accept that our first congress in the 2nd century gave us two important tasks. Our congress gave us the task of coming to power. After fulfilling this duty, it gave us the duty to fulfil Atatürk's will, that is, to bring the Republic of Turkey to the level of modern and advanced civilisations. We approach this with this seriousness," he said.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE INVITED TO INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS

Özel said, "As the party that founded the state, we believe that it is the right thing for the elected chairperson to make his first visit to Cyprus and then to Azerbaijan. The 1st President of our party is Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of all of us. The 2nd President's success in Lausanne was extremely critical for the status of Cyprus. The 3rd President is Karaoğlan, whose picture is in almost every house in Cyprus. He showed great courage and determination in liberating Cyprus from the atrocities. In those days, he did not succumb to the threats of embargo that would later put Turkey in trouble. Of course, we would like to underline this, especially in today's circumstances. Cyprus is isolated and subjected to an embargo. The continuation of this embargo is insincere considering the promises made to TRNC in the past and this must be lifted. We think that even inviting Cyprus to some international meetings as an observer would be very significant."

EQUAL FRATERNAL STATUS IS A MORE ACCURATE DESCRIPTION

Özel said, " Instead of using the term " young homeland ", we use the term " brotherly homeland ". We think that an equal brotherhood status is always a much more accurate definition. We embrace our citizens of all political views here once again in the presence of yours. I would like you to know that the Republican People's Party will be in the warmest and most sincere attitude in its future relations on the basis of reciprocity. When the exclusive economic zones agreement was signed with Libya, I was one of the first politicians to express my congratulations. After the agreement was signed, I suggested that it be brought to the commission and passed by the General Assembly without delay. Our Foreign Minister thanked us and we passed that agreement in short time. I would like to express once again that our stance on issues that are in the interest of Turkey and Cyprus is extremely constructive and contributive."