TURKEY WON’T BE EU MEMBER AS LONG AS OCCUPATION OF CYPRUS CONTINUES

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
28.05.2009 16:00 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris
Christofias stressed that as long as the Turkish occupation of Cyprus
continues, Ankara will not become an EU member state.

President Christofias, who attended an event, hosted by the Maronites’
Archbishopric in Cyprus, to honor former Maronite Archbishop Peter
Gemayel, noted that despite difficulties he would continue, with
consistency, to struggle for a Cyprus solution and reunification
based on principles.

The solution of the Cyprus problem, he added, "must come from Cypriots
for Cypriots and be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with
political equality as defined in the relevant UNSC resolutions,"
he underlined, Cyprus News Agency reports.

Referring to Turkey, he said "we want Turkey to understand that
occupying countries can not consider themselves as democratic
countries asking to find a place in the European family. As long as
the occupation of Cyprus by Turkey continues and Turkey continues
its attitude, it can not become member of the EU."

"I am determined to continue the struggle for the achievement of
a mutually acceptable solution, a solution that would be for the
benefit of all Cypriots, Greek Cyrpiots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites,
Armenians, Latins, that would terminate occupation, terminate Turkey’s
policy to bring illegal settlers to Cyprus, and safeguard human rights
and fundamental freedoms for our people," he said.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its
northern third. President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet
Ali Talat began UN-led direct negotiations for an agreed solution to
the Cyprus problem since September 2008 and so far held 29 meetings.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress