Cyprus backs democratic Turkey in Europe

A democratic Turkey in the European Union will serve the interests of both the Turkish and the Cypriot people, provided that Ankara ends its decades-long military occupation and meets its commitments to Brussels.

In his toast at a formal dinner in honour of South Australian Premier Mike Rann, Christofias reiterated that a political settlement in Cyprus, of a bizonal bicommunal federation, must be based on international law, UN resolutions and European principles and must also serve the interests of the people of Cyprus as a whole and not the interests of third parties.

He noted that Ran, on an official visit here at the invitation of the House President, has been a firm supporter of the struggle of the people of Cyprus to rid their country of the illegal Turkish occupation.

“Ran has recently given us a prime example of his strong support when it comes to issues of principle relating to Cyprus. He secured a commitment by a Labour government, which might emerge in the forthcoming Australian elections, that it will work for a just and viable settlement, including the reunification and the demilitarization of the country,” Christofias said.

The House President expressed regret that the Turkish side has reneged a UN-brokered agreement to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations, through talks between representatives of the leaders of the two communities who will work to set up working groups and technical committees to deal with substantive issues as well as issues that affect the day to day life of the people in Cyprus.

“In spite of Turkey’s attitude so far, we support the accession of a democratic Turkey in the EU because we believe that it serves the interests of the Turkish and the Cypriot people, provided that Ankara ends its occupation and meets fully its commitments to the EU, including commitments to Cyprus,” he concluded.