Turkish FM: EU's 'principled attitude' vital in Cyprus talks

Davutoglu notes a 'positive momentum' in terms of resolving the Cyprus conflict and calls for a just attitude from the EU.

ANKARA
The European Union (EU) should take a just, principled and determined stance in the Cyprus issue and not favor the "Greek Cypriot administration" during the ongoing peace talks just because it is a member country, Turkey's foreign minister said Friday.

Ahmet Davutoglu held a joint press conference with his Dutch counterpart Frans Timmermans after the sixth meeting of the 'Turkish-Dutch Bilateral (Wittenburg) Conference' in the Turkish capital, Ankara. 
Davutoglu said there is a positive momentum which is very promising in terms of reaching a comprehensive settlement of the longstanding problem in Cyprus.
"Now it is time to construct a building out of this momentum. Columns should rise, walls should be put up, and a Cyprus in peace should be established," he said.
Davutoglu also called on the EU not to favor any side during the negotiation process.
He said it would be a mistake if the EU chooses to favor the Greek side just because it is an EU member.

• He stressed that both Turkish and Greek sides sit around the negotiation table on equal terms.

After a nearly two year-long pause, Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders held their first meeting on Tuesday and agreed on issuing a joint declaration that outlines how the talks should move forward. It recommends recognizing the equal status of the two states, while aiming to bring the divided communities closer under a federal government.
Cyprus is a member of the European Union and recognized by all internationally, except Turkey. Only the Republic of Turkey recognizes the  [so called] "TRNC". 
Dutch Foreign Minister Timmermans also commended the leadership that all parties showed for the adoption of a joint communique.

•  "I have seen strong political willingness to create some dynamics, which is a very necessary development in our joint future," he said.

• He said a resolution to the Cyprus conflict will bring economic advantages to the whole region.

 http://www.aa.com.tr/en/headline/288214--turkish-fm-eus-principled-attitude-vital-in-cyprus-talks
14/2/14
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