Deputy Minister to the President Titos Christofides said Sunday that Cyprus Government makes strong representations to the United Nations, the European Union and other international organizations, denouncing the threats, challenges and illegal actions of Turkey against Cyprus.
Speaking at a memorial service for the dead and missing of Cyprus in Thessaloniki, Christofides said that the will of the people of Cyprus for reunification of the country remains uncompromised.
“In these difficult times, with the negative attitude of Turkey and its manifestations at all levels of politics, we oppose our commitment to our enduring goals, our patience, our persistence and our hard work “, he said.
He added that Cyprus was not discouraged by Turkey’s threats on issues such as the discovery and exploitation of hydrocarbons and the assumption of the Presidency of the EU Council.
“On the contrary they make us stronger and more determined to highlight the negativity of Turkey and to succeed as an honest broker, during our presidency of the EU Council, as an equal member of the European Union” he said.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.
Ankara has threatened Cyprus when Nicosia launched last September its exploration activities within the Republic’s EEZ and announced earlier this year a second round of licensing for off-shore hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities. The government of Cyprus has protested to the UN and the EU Turkey’s moves, saying it has a sovereign right to exploit its natural resources.
Cyprus an EU member since 2004, assumes the six monthly rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, on July 1st.
