Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Markoullis stated she does not anticipate other countries to follow Britain’s example as regards the illegal regime in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus, noting however, the government is monitoring the movements of various countries on the issue.
Speaking before departing for Serbia for a two-day official visit, Markoullis was invited to comment on the postponement of a meeting she intended to have with Jim Murphy, Minister for Europe, in the framework of a Cyprus-British Forum which was to be held in Paphos on November 3.
Markoullis said the meeting was scheduled to take place in the framework of efforts to improve relations between Cyprus and Britain. “Unfortunately, this forum cannot take place as a result of the agreement recently signed between the UK and Turkeyâ€, the Minister stressed.
Last week, the Prime Ministers of Britain and Turkey, Gordon Brown and Tayip Erdogan respectively, signed in London a Strategic Partnership Agreement
In the document, London and Ankara say they will work within the UN, the EU and bilaterally to promote direct commercial, economic, political and cultural contacts between the UK, the EU and the Turkish Cypriots.
They will also provide “continued help for ‘TRNC’ authorities/universities in their attempts to engage with the Bologna process†and will uphold “the right of representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the European Parliament.â€
The document prompted the reaction of the government of Cyprus which described it as “a negative development†and said it will act to protect its national interests.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.
Asked if there is a freezing of the two countries’ relations because of the agreement, Markoullis said that “no one has talked about freezing relations. This is an imperative action and as the Government Spokesman has said, some decisions have been taken. More decisions will be taken and will be made known, if it is deemed, once they are implemented. No one has talked about freezing relations between the two countries. On the contraryâ€, she added.
To a question if Cyprus is anticipating other countries to follow Britain’s example in taking direct or indirect means to recognize the illegal regime, Markoullis replied “I do not anticipate such thing and hope not. Of course, we are somewhat reserved and are monitoring developments in various countries and taking precautionary actionâ€.
Invited to comment on London’s assurances that the agreement does not imply recognition of the illegal regime, Markoullis replied that “words are not enough, it’s actions which matter. Surely this action leads to promoting divisive policiesâ€, she added.
Markoullis replied in the negative when asked if she intends to travel to London to meet her British counterpart to clear the air, noting she will visit the British capital on November 13 to attend the annual dinner hosted by the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood.
