Papadopoulos: Turkish proposal a ”disorientation move”

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos described today Turkey‘s proposal to open one port and one airport to Cypriot vessels and airplanes a “disorientation” move, made ahead of an EU meeting on Monday to discuss recommendations relating to Turkey‘s refusal to meet its European obligations.

Turkey offered on Thursday to open one port and one airport to the Republic of Cyprus, in exchange for the opening of an illegal airport in Cyprus‘ Turkish-occupied areas and the operation of the port of Famagusta, also in the occupied northern part.

The Turkish proposal, put forward at the last minute, has not received any support, he said, adding that ”it was obvious to everybody that this was a disorientation move,” Papadopoulos said in statements on his return to Cyprus from China where he paid an official visit.

The Cypriot President said Monday’s EU General Affairs Council will discuss Turkey‘s EU bid.

Papadopoulos added the objective is to find common ground so that a common decision is reached, as decisions must be unanimous.

”Turkey‘s obligations to the EU are separate and independent from the Cyprus problem and Turkey has to meet these obligations,” Papadopoulos said, adding that ”there can be no link between Turkey‘s obligations and developments in Cyprus.”

He also pointed out that ”even if the Cyprus problem were solved, Turkey would still have to comply with these obligations.”

Commenting on the climate at yesterday’s deliberations at the Security Council on a draft resolution for the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate that expires on December 15, Papadopoulos recalled that since 2005 the government’s policy has been to engage all five permanent members, and not only the US and Britain as in the past, in every new effort of the UN.

He this has been communicated to France, Russia and China.

President Papadopoulos said he was satisfied with the outcome of his visit to China, as bonds of friendship were renewed and business opportunities explored.