Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on Thursday visited the Retired Officers Association and met with the board members led by President Kazım And.

Speaking during the visit, the Premier expressed the honour of experiencing today’s freedom, made possible with the July 20, 1974 Peace Operation, and visiting the unforgettable heroic commanders who helped establish the state.

“If today we see the TRNC flag waving proudly in our beautiful lands, it is thanks to the honourable struggle you all gave” Üstel noted.

He once again commemorated the martyrs and veterans and expressed his respect for Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Founding President Rauf Denktaş.

Stressing their commitment to defending the state on every platform, Üstel said, “The Greek Cypriot side must know that we will not sit at the table without a basis of two states and international equal status on the international platform.”

“Without deviating from our national identity and spirit, with our stable government and our 24 deputies, we will move forward into the future by sticking together and supporting each other” the Premier added.

Association President Kazım And for his part, expressed his satisfaction over Üstel’s visit and said, “We have a long-standing friendship. My board and I wish for the continuation of your successful efforts.”

And also thanked Prime Minister Üstel for supporting the Cyprus National Cause.