The Cyprus problem is a European problem and there the European Union has a key role to play on this, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Friday, referring to the EU’s latest progress report on Turkey.
He said that the European Commission’s annual report on Turkey’s accession course, which was released on October 30, “reflects the particular importance the EU attaches to the continuation and progress of the Cyprus settlement talks.”
“Turkey’s refusal to implement its obligations regarding Cyprus, which it must fulfil, is clearly recorded, as is the fact that despite the international condemnation and the non-acceptance of the illegal settling, Turkey has not reversed its actions regarding the opening of the enclosed city of Varosha, creating a new fait accompli, while reference is made to the restrictions imposed on the peacekeeping force in violation ofthe UN Security Council resolution 789, calling on Ankara to fully respect resolutions 550, 789 and 1251,” Letymbiotis said.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
