ID :
209828
Tue, 09/27/2011 - 22:42
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/209828
The shortlink copeid
Turkey's EU minister says stonewalling Cyprus deal would have consequences
LEFKOSA (A.A) - September 27, 2011 - Turkey's European Union Minister Egemen Bagis has warned that blocking a settlement to the division of Cyprus would have consequences.
"Unless a partition is made, everyone on the island has the right to every place on the island. The current picture shows which side prevents the island from reaching a solution. But those who try stonewalling the settlement talks will pay the price," Bagis told a joint press conference with Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun in Lefkosa.
Bagis said the Greek Cypriot administration should immediately halt offshore drilling for oil and gas reserves around the island and take necessary steps to ease tensions "in the light of its past experiences about Turkey's determination."
"If the Greek Cypriot drilling yields a result, Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus would not hesitate to do what is needed. Do not make a mistake: we know how to stand up for our rights," Bagis said.
Responding to a question on the course of Turkey's relations with the European Union under the Greek Cypriot presidency, Bagis said Turkey would not participate in the meetings of the European Union presidency until the Greek Cypriot administration hands over the post.
"Turkey's EU process is 52 years-old. We would not be bothered if it was delayed for another six months. We will resume our relations with the EU presidency after the Greek Cypriot helm is over," Bagis said.
"Unless a partition is made, everyone on the island has the right to every place on the island. The current picture shows which side prevents the island from reaching a solution. But those who try stonewalling the settlement talks will pay the price," Bagis told a joint press conference with Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun in Lefkosa.
Bagis said the Greek Cypriot administration should immediately halt offshore drilling for oil and gas reserves around the island and take necessary steps to ease tensions "in the light of its past experiences about Turkey's determination."
"If the Greek Cypriot drilling yields a result, Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus would not hesitate to do what is needed. Do not make a mistake: we know how to stand up for our rights," Bagis said.
Responding to a question on the course of Turkey's relations with the European Union under the Greek Cypriot presidency, Bagis said Turkey would not participate in the meetings of the European Union presidency until the Greek Cypriot administration hands over the post.
"Turkey's EU process is 52 years-old. We would not be bothered if it was delayed for another six months. We will resume our relations with the EU presidency after the Greek Cypriot helm is over," Bagis said.
