Turkey should understand that we do not accept any of its expansionist policies, Government Spokesman, Kyriakos Kousios, said in a written statement, commenting on reports by Turkish Vice President and Defence Minister, Fuat Oktay and Hulusi Akar, respectively.

Mr. Kousios notes that “we want to make it clear that the President of the Republic, with political will and determination, will participate in the informal five-party conference which is expected to be convened by the UN Secretary General and which will hopefully be the beginning in the accomplishment of a fair, lasting, viable and functioning solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN decisions, Security Council resolutions, but also EU principles and values. In this way, the conditions for a reunited homeland – without foreign armies and anachronistic guarantees – will be created. Also, in this way our homeland will continue to be an EU member. A solution that meets the expectations of both Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots.”

He added: “As far as Varosia is concerned, Turkey should realize that we do not accept any of its expansionist policies, which are neither accepted by the UN through the Security Council resolutions on Famagusta, in particular resolutions 550 and 789, nor by the EU and the international community in general.”

“With these clear positions we will seek the solution to the Cyprus problem, hoping that the Turkish-Cypriot side and Turkey will respond positively,” the Government Spokesman concludes.

Also read: Celik | “Turkish soldiers are not leaving Cyprus”