The Cyprus issue, the economic situation as well as the Ukranian matter were discussed during a meeting President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and President of the European Council Donald Tusk held today in Brussels.
Anastasiades informed the EU official about Turkey`s provocative actions in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone and the Navigational Telex it issued in October and extended until April 2015.
In statements after the meeting, the Cypriot President said that Europe must be more decisive as regards the Cyprus issue, especially in situations when international law and EU values and principles are violated.
They also discussed about the economy and other relevant issues arising after the Greek elections.
Anastasiades further said that during their meeting they held a discussion about the situation in the Ukraine.
Replying to questions, the President said that he extended an invitation to Tusk to visit Cyprus.
The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.UN led talks to reunify the country under a federal roof have failed so far due to Turkey`s intransigent stance and policy of a `two state` solution on the island. Turkey, which is an EU candidate country, violates international law and human rights in Cyprus since the invasion in 1974. Numerous resolutions and decisions by international and European organisations calling Ankara to withdraw its troops from Cyprus were not respected by Turkey.
In October 2014 President Anastasiades suspended his participation in the Cyprus talks following a Navigational Telex or NAVTEX, issued by Turkey in October last year, as Turkish seismic research vessel “Barbaros” violated the Republic’s exclusive economic zone. Repeated calls for the withdrawal of “Barbaros” went unheeded by Ankara, which announced in January the NAVTEX`s extension until April 6, 2015.
CNA/EK/AAR/GV/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY