Nicosia- European Parliament Rapporteur on Turkey Ria Oomen-Ruijten, called on Turkey to fulfill its EU requirements, including recognising the Republic of Cyprus, stressing that this is a prerequisite for Ankara’s progress in its EU course.
The Dutch MEP currently in Cyprus at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoullis, on Friday met with the House President Yiannakis Omirou.
According to an official statement, Omirou expressed his satisfaction on the recent resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Turkey’s Accession Report.
During the talks with the MEP, Omirou also referred to the stalemate in the UN led negotiations in Cyprus, due to Turkey’s provocative stance and its threats against the Republic of Cyprus.
The House President stressed that Cyprus is in favor of Turkey’s EU course, however Ankara must fulfill its EU requirements and must show respect to European values and obligations.
He called on the international community and Europe to exert pressure on Ankara, adding that the EU must have a more active role in the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. He noted however that the negotiation process must remain under the aegis of the UN.
Furthermore, House President said that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots lived in peace for centuries and that Turkey is the only obstacle in finding a solution.
Ruijten expressed her expectation for reunification of Cyprus the soonest, noting that all Cypriots will benefit from the solution.
Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus’ northern areas since they invaded in 1974, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member since 2004.
UN-backed direct negotiations began in 2008 with a view to reaching a mutually agreed settlement to the Cyprus problem (CNA)