Turkish deputy premier receives TRNC parliament speaker

ANKARA (A.A) - Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said Thursday that Turkey attached a great importance to Turkish Cypriots' living peacefully and prosperously. Arinc received Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Parliament Speaker Hasan Bozer and an accompanying delegation in Ankara. The meeting at the Prime Ministry building lasted for about 40 minutes. "There are sound ties between Turkey and TRNC. Unity has been strengthened more in the recent years. We will be more powerful and take sound steps for the future," he said. "Turkey has been monitoring the latest developments in TRNC and laws passed by its parliament. We believe that these steps will boost TRNC economy and will create a more prosperous community," he said. Bozer said Turkey extending great support to TRNC. The most important problem in TRNC was Cyprus issue, he said. "We are entering a critical period in regard to the Cyprus negotiation process. Talks will be held in New York soon. Greek Cypriots are exerting efforts to discourage us and take away of our rights," he said. Bozer added that they would overcome problems thanks to sound ties between Turkey and TRNC.