Turkish pm says Cyprus peace operation prevented efforts to destroy Turkish Cypriots

LEFKOSA (A.A) - July 20, 2011 - The Turkish prime minister said on Wednesday that the Cyprus Peace Operation had prevented the efforts that aimed at destroying Turkish Cypriots.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is currently in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), attended a ceremony held at Dr. Fazil Kucuk Boulevard in Lefkosa on the occasion of TRNC Peace & Freedom Day.  
Speaking at the ceremony, Erdogan said Turkey's brotherhood and solidarity with Turkish Cypriots would continue forever.
"With the Cyprus Peace Operation, Turkey rendered efforts that aimed at destroying Turkish Cypriots unsuccessful, moreover, it showed the whole world its determination to support Turkish Cypriots' fight to protect their rights," Erdogan said.
The prime minister noted that the operation, which had been staged by Turkey using its rights stemming from international agreements, also showed that Turkey would support Turkish Cypriots' struggle for equality, freedom and existence in every platform.
"On this Peace & Freedom Day, we would like to declare that we will continue to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot nation, who are this island's equal partners, without forgetting about the pain experienced and prices paid in the past. We would also like to express one more time our faith and determination for peace," Erdogan said.