Greek Foreign Minister hopes new Cyprus process to be successful

Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyiannis has expressed hope that the new effort to solve the Cyprus problem, under UN auspices, will be successful.

Bakoyiannis warned Turkey that its EU accession course was not a la carte, noting that the non-recognition of an EU member state by Ankara was a blatant violation of European principles and values.

Addressing the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) in Paris, Bakoyiannis said there was a link between the situation in Cyprus and relations with Turkey.

''We believe a just and viable solution with an aim to reunite the island is necessary,'' she said, adding that ''only then will Turkey reach the end of a difficult course which will lead it into Europe.''

Bakoyiannis pointed out that the solution should take into account the fact that Cyprus is a member of the EU and that the principles and regulations of the bloc must be implemented.

She furthermore welcomed the commencement of direct talks between the leaders of the two communities, under UN auspices, to reach a settlement.

Bakoyiannis expressed hope that this effort would be successful, leading to the reunification of the island, based on a bizonal bicommunal federation.

The Greek Minister noted that stability in the region could only be safeguarded through good neighbourly relations, adding that to this end Greece has proven its will to see Turkey join the EU.

However, she pointed out that Turkey must accept and implement the acquis communautaire, and that ''the non recognition of an EU member state blatantly violates European principles and values.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.