President Comments on Northern Cyprus

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, has said that the government is constantly working for the implementation of measures to achieve a close cooperation with he Turkish Cypriots, helping hem to improve their financial situation.

“We work constantly, we find ways, we put forward measures to achieve the closest cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots, thus contributing to their economic growth, but always bearing in mind that all measures aim to he financial integration and he reunification of our country and economy”, he stressed.

In statements the President said hat the international community is realizing that Turkish claims about a so called isolation of he Turkish Cypriots, are merely a myth which aims to upgrade the Turkish occupation regime in the northern areas of Cyprus.

Asked if there have been any reactions regarding the new package of measures for the financial support of the Turkish Cypriots, submitted Saturday by he Cypriot government to the EU, the President said that here have been no reactions yet.

“There are not reactions so far. Discussions continue. This is he third discussion held on the issue and we hope that consideration will be shown”, he said.

The President was also asked on Turkey’s vetos regarding Cyprus’ participation in international organizations.

The President described Ankara’s stance as unacceptable.

“This is an unacceptable tactic by a country that wishes to become a member of the EU. In our declaration for Turkey’s accession course, we have clearly stated that our position will depend every time on Turkey’s stance towards us and he other international organizations”, he pointed out.

Turkey’s stance against Cyprus’ participation in a series of international organizations is an old issue, the President said, adding that Turkey has been preventing for three years now, Cyprus’ participation in international organizations because the charter of these organizations provide for unanimity.

Turkey has been vetoing Cyprus’ membership in international organizations, arrangements and reaties, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Open Skies Treaty, the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Furthermore, Turkey does not consent to the expansion of the EU – NATO dialogue with the participation of Cyprus (and Malta).

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its erritory, ignoring numerous United Nations resolutions calling for their withdrawal.