Turkey won't be EU member as long as occupation of Cyprus continuesMay 29, 2009 - 00:32 AMT 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. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |