The assessment of Turkey's accession course by the European Union in December ''must be objective and just and there must be no concessions where deficiencies are found'', President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias said on Sunday.
Speaking during a memorial service for Nicos Tophis and Demetris Vrakas in Phrenaros, the former still missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion and the latter a victim of the invasion, President Christofias pointed out that Turkey should realise that its accession to the European Union has not only benefits but requires also obligations which it has to implement.
Reiterating Cyprus' support to Turkey's accession to the EU, President Christofias said this support is not unconditional and all must understand that Turkey cannot continue without hindrance if it does not terminate its provocative stance, refuses to fulfill its obligations, and does not positively contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
''Turkey must prove in deeds that it wishes a solution on the basis of the agreed framework, assume its responsibilities and contribute substantially to the efforts for a solution'', he said.
To achieve this, he added, the international community and especially the European Union must exercise their influence on Turkey so that it changes its stance and cooperates in this direction.
Referring to the ongoing negotiations for Cyprus settlement, President Christofias said that some progress has been achieved but unfortunately there remain major differences on a number of critical issues.
''We aim at a bizonal, bicommunal federal Cyprus with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship, and political equality as described in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. A solution based on international law and compatible with the principles and values on which the European Union is founded'', he concluded.
Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.
