Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, commented the conclusions of the EU Summit on Euro-Turkish relations, and particularly the part referring linking Euro-Turkish relations to the Cyprus issue, welcoming them.
In an interview with the Greek radio station “Chanel One 90.4 FM” on Friday, the Greek Foreign Minister welcomed the relevant references, stressing that “the link between Euro-Turkish relations and progress on the Cyprus issue is perfectly logical”.
“Turkey must respect the European acquis, which fully includes participation at all levels of the Republic of Cyprus. It is important that two paragraphs concerning Euro-Turkish relations have been included’, he stressed.
‘I think it goes without saying that the progress of Euro-Turkish relations should mean full respect for the sovereignty and rights of the member state, namely the Republic of Cyprus,” Gerapetritis added.
At the same time, he expressed the view that it is positive that the European Union and Turkey are in discussions,
so that a productive cooperation can take place.
“It is to the benefit of both Europe and Turkey for the latter to have a western orientation. I think this will have positive consequences in relation to our bilateral relations, i.e. Greece vis-à-vis Turkey, but also in relation to the Cyprus problem,” Greek Foreign Minister concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency