Turkey won't be EU member as long as occupation of Cyprus continues

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.