It is important to reach a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, European Council`s President Donald Tusk has said, noting that it would be beneficial to the strategic relationship between Turkey and the EU.
Tusk made this statement during a press conference in Ankara with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, with whom he discussed the refugee crisis and Turkey`s role in addressing this issue.
“We also underlined the importance of reaching a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem, which will be beneficial to the wider security and stability of the region and in particular to the strategic relationship between Turkey and the EU”, Tusk said.
The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion against this EU Mediterranean island in 1974. Turkey, which is the only country in the world which does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, aspires to join the EU although it still refuses to meet its EU obligations, especially the ones concerning Cyprus.
Cyprus became a full EU member state in May 2004. It is divided by Turkish troops which hold 37% of its territory since 1974.
CNA/AAR/2016
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY