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Turkish FM reiterates threats against Cyprus's EU accession
ISTANBUL,
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem reiterated on Wednesday that the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union before the Cyprus issue is resolved "will lead to a very serious crisis." Speaking at the Turkish Economic Development Foundation, he said "if 'southern Cyprus' is considered the representative of all the island and joins the EU a serious crisis will be created."
"We, Turkey and the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', will do everything we can for a compromise to be found...a solution to the Cyprus issue is difficult but not impossible," Cem added.
Meanwhile, deputies of the Motherland Party (ANAP), which participates in the government, called on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to return to proximity talks under UN sponsorship.
"The 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' should return to the negotiations," Bulent Akarzali said and added that "Turkey should be open to dialogue."
The Turkish deputy said Turkey will face great difficulties due to the Cyprus issue and that the Turkish Cypriots should stop giving the impression that they are distancing themselves from the negotiations.
Akarzali also accused Cem of not briefing the Turkish National Assembly
adequately on developments concerning the Cyprus issue.
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