The Cyprus government will not accept any maneuverings that aim to promote British policies that have no relation with the wider European policy, said here Tuesday Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides.
He was referring to tomorrow’s COREPER meeting in Brussels, which will discuss the EU counter-statement to Turkey’s declaration that it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus.
Chrysostomides reiterated that the government is pursuing an improvement of the last draft of the EU counterstatement, adding that it is clear that the new document will reflect the positions of member states, their general discontent over Turkey’s declaration as well as a series of other measures which are necessary to be included in the counterstatement.|
The Spokesman further underlined that Britain, which chairs the EU rotating presidency, has an obligation to act objectively according to the demands and expectations of other EU member states and within the framework of EU principles.
“Any maneuverings that aim at promoting her policies, which have nothing to do with the wider European policy, should not be considered as acceptable”, the Spokesman added.
“We are ready to contribute to a unanimous clear yet categorical decision” regarding the counterstatement, Chrysostomides added.
Asked to comment on statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat that it is important the counterstatement not to include any element calling on Turkey to recognise the Republic of Cyprus, Chrysostomides said that it is Turkey’s obligation to recognise the Republic of Cyprus if it wants to become involved in negotiations for accession to the EU.
He noted that its refusal to recognise Cyprus is a provocation against the EU, the international community and reassures the illegality of the continued occupation.
“The issue of recognition cannot be avoided by Turkey”, Chrysostomides said, adding that the sooner this is done, the better. Furthermore, he said all EU member states and the Commission have said that the signing of the protocol constitutes de facto recognition of Cyprus.
Asked if the compromise, which is being pursued in the counterstatement, will reflect the timeframe whereby Turkey must proceed with recognition, the Spokesman said that this is what is pursued.
“What is pursued is a specific course, a specific road map, which will determine the future progress and Turkey’s attitude against the EU in general”, he concluded.
