[0]

Mehmet Ali Tarat, the President of Northern Cyprus, extended formal recognition to Kosovo on Monday on the basis of self-rule

NICOSIA (Tiraspol Times) - The 'de facto' independent republic of Northern Cyprus has recognized Kosovo's unilateral independence declaration in a move which opens the door for diplomatic relations to be established between the two breakaway states.

" - No people can be forced to live under the rule of another people," said the President of Northern Cyprus, Mehmet Ali Talat, in an official statement issued by the Presidential Press Office in Nicosia, capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), on Monday.

" - I salute the independence of Kosovo," opened Tarat's statement, adding that "I hope that Kosovo’s independence will have a positive influence on security and cooperation in the Balkans, which is of utmost importance for the stability of the world."

" - I ask that those, who object to the independence of Kosovo, take into consideration that no people can be forced to live under the rule of another people, and make the necessary contribution so that the problems that may arise can be solved through cooperation. The will of the people of Kosovo should be respected and the new state should be assisted," continued the statement.

" - With the knowledge that many countries will recognize the independence of Kosovo, I hope that especially the European Union will act with a high conception of its responsibilities. With the belief that the European Union will not repeat the mistakes, which we still suffer from in the Cyprus problem, I’d like to express that making use of enlargement as an instrument to solve this difficult and complex problem would be very appropriate."

Recognition by Taiwan as well

" - I salute the success of the Kosovo leadership, which, through policies that won the sympathy and support of the world in the process leading to independence, gained an international respectability."

" - On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people, who have preserved their identity, went through a lot of pain to live in freedom and who are still continuing with their struggle, I sincerely congratulate Kosovo and the people of Kosovo and wish that Kosovo’s membership in the world’s family of nations contributes to humanity and world peace."

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is, like Pridnestrovie, a largely unrecognized country. It functions as an independent state and meets all the requirements for statehood under international law, but has not yet received diplomatic recognition by the world's major powers.

Kosovo has also received formal diplomatic recognition by Taiwan (Republic of China), which is another country with no major international level of recognition of its 'de facto' sovereignty.

See also:
» U.S. Congressman points to double standards over Transdniestria, Kosovo [1]
» Kosovo unilateral independence move despite Serbia opposition [2]
» De-facto independent Northern Cyprus turns 24 [3]

Opinion and commentary:
» Comparing Kosovo and Transnistria [4]