Cyprus doesn't recognize Kosovo unilateral independence

PanARMENIAN.Net - Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Marcoullis has reiterated that her country will not recognize any unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo. "Our position is well known and has been outlined to our European Union (EU) partners, who demonstrated understanding. The Republic of Cyprus will not recognize a possible unilateral declaration of independence," she said, RIA Novosti reports.



Cyprus, along with Greece and Romania, stand against such a move, which they fear would have an impact at home. Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers who pushed for union with Greece. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared breakaway and set up the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey.



After closed-door discussions of Kosovo status on December 19, the EU, U.S. and NATO announced that talks within the UN have been exhausted and should be transferred to the EU and NATO.