Unrest in Turkey affects Cyprus

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said here today that any unrest in Turkey certainly causes concern in Nicosia and expressed hope that Ankara will change its policy.

The President was responding to questions, after attending a lunch hosted by Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II in honour of his guest Archbishop of Greece Christodoulos, who concluded today is official visit here.

“Anything that causes unrest in Turkey certainly causes concern to us. However we hope and anticipate that Turkey’s policy will change,” Papadopoulos added.

Commenting on the withdrawal of Abdullah Gul’s candidacy for the presidency in Turkey, he said “this was predetermined to allow for early elections.”

Asked if the political crisis was actually staged, he replied “I would not comment on Turkey’s internal affairs.”

On naval manoeuvres by the Turkish armed forces, in the open seas southwest of Cyprus, the President noted that “the exercises are conducted outside Cyprus’ territorial waters.”

“I do not see that they raise any specific issue,” he added.

Responding to other questions, he said that as far as he was aware there were no violations during the exercises.