We had a very productive meeting this morning under the Chairmanship of President H.E. Ahmet Necdet Sezer at Çankaya Presidential Residence with the participation of the President of the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), H.E. Rauf Denktaş and his colleagues.

H.E. Denktaş stated that the continuation of the proximity talks with the Greek Cypriot side does not have any meaning any more and that it would not be possible to attain any result from the talks unless the existence of two separate states in Cyprus is recognized.

Actually, although the talks have been going on for almost a year and five meetings of long duration were held within this period, no result has yet been reached. In view of this, we support H.E. Denktaş's decision to withdraw from the proximity talks.

TRNC has preserved and proven its independence and freedom in spite of the heaviest obstructions imposed. Turkey has always been and will be on the side of TRNC in all aspects. Besides, the security of Turkey and the security of TRNC constitute an inseparable whole.

I wish all the continuous success to TRNC.