Cypriot FM: Turkish occupation key problem in Cyprus issue

 April 3, 2012 - 21:55 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Foreign Mister of Cyprus Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis noted Turkey's continuing occupation as the key problem hindering settlement of Cyprus issue.

“About 200,000 Greek Cypriots suffer as result of the occupation, forced to flee the northern part of the island. Turkey has occupied 37% of the country and settled 300 000 people to leave the Greek population in the minority. Despite this, Turkey dares declare it won’t cooperate with Cyprus during its EU presidency, which sparked discontent and criticism of all EU member states. Turkey’s attempts pursuing accession to the EU are doomed to failure given its current stance,” she said.

The Foreign Minister of Cyprus further slammed Turkey’s EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis’ statement claiming that Turkey will be forced to annex the north of Cyprus unless the dispute gets settled by July 1.

Upon completion of the meeting, the minister thanked the Armenian side for its steady support in the issue.