Cypriot MP Kyriakos Hadjigiannis has expressed Cyprus` readiness to contribute in every possible way in the effort to create conditions of peace, stability and cooperation in the Southeastern Mediterranean.
He was addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (PA OSCE), the winter meeting of which takes place in Vienna, an official press release says.
Hadjiyiannis acknowledged Turkey`s contribution in the matter of Syrian refugees but commented on a recent statement of Turkish Prime Minister Rezzep Tayip Erdogan that Turkey feels isolated in defending human rights and democratic values in the Middle East, recalling that Cyprus has been under Turkish occupation for over forty years.
Referring to Turkey`s provocations in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone he said that they have not only led to the suspension of the UN led talks for the reunification of the island but have also resulted in the escalation of tension and have further destabilised the Eastern Mediterranean region.
He also assured that the Greek Cypriot side remains fully committed to the talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem, in accordance with international and European law, relevant UN resolutions given that Turkey`s provocations will stop and international pressure should be focused towards the one who has violated international law rather than the victim.
At the same time he noted that âthe Republic of Cyprus expresses its readiness, as always, to contribute in any possible way towards achieving conditions of peace, stability and cooperation in Southeastern Mediterraneanâ, as well as of promoting the dialogue between the EU and countries in the region.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
President Anastasiades has suspended his participation in the talks following a Navigational Telex or NAVTEX, issued by Turkey in October last year, as Turkish seismic research vessel “Barbaros” violated the Republicâs exclusive economic zone.
Repeated calls for the withdrawal of “Barbaros” went unheeded by Ankara, which announced recently the NAVTEX`s extension until April 6, 2015.
CNA/EPH/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY