Cyprus to examine all options in view of Turkey’s EU evaluation

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said that all available options will be on the table for discussion between the President and the National Council, with regard to Turkey’s assessment by the European Union in December.

The National Council, the top advisory body to President Demetris Christofias on the handling of the Cyprus question, comprises representatives of parliamentary parties and will meet for two days on September 14-15.

Speaking before the 16th World Conference of Overseas Cypriots, Stephanou said all scenarios and alternative options will be examined “so that we will be ready and flexible enough to be able to handle things in the best possible way and serve our cause.”

Responding to questions by delegates, the Spokesman said that the Republic of Cyprus has no right of veto in this evaluation of Turkey, as it did in 2005 and 2006.

He said that that Cyprus as well as Greece support Turkey’s European prospect and European course as through this process “Turkey can find incentives and we can find levers to exert pressure and influence Ankara to changer its stance.”

However he stressed that this support is not a “blank cheque” and that whatever Turkey does, it will find Cyprus before it and will have more problems than those Ankara creates for itself.

The Spokesman said that the political leadership in Cyprus must handle things collectively with patience, and in concert with Greece, adding that overseas Cypriots will be briefed on developments.

“Our objective is not to create problems for Turkey but to work for a settlement, which is served through the implementation by Turkey of its obligations. Turkey has to adjust its behaviour, recognise the Republic of Cyprus and normalise its relations with an EU member-state,” he added.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Peace talks are underway between the leaders of the two communities to find a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country.