Resumption of talks impossible if Turkey keeps up provocative actions

The resumption of the Cyprus talks will be impossible if Turkey does not cease its provocative actions, director of the President’s press office, Andreas Iosif said on Sunday.

Speaking on behalf of the government at a memorial service for the fallen of the Deftera community during the 1974 Turkish invasion, Iosif said that President Nicos Anastasiades has repeatedly expressed his readiness and determination both to the UN Secretary General as well as at the European Council for the resumption of the Cyprus negotiations from where they left off during the meeting in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana.

“At the same time, however, we must point out that the resumption of talks cannot take place without the termination of Turkey’s provocative actions in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and the fenced off area of Famagusta, or without abandoning the threats for a two-state solution” he stressed.

Iosif recalled that the EU supports Cyprus in this effort, adding that the EU sees Ankara’s illegal actions as well as the fact that there can be no solution in Cyprus that falls out of the framework of international legitimacy and EU values.

Concluding, he conveyed the political will of Anastasiades to do his utmost to create conditions of security and peace in Cyprus and the wider region.