Cyprus government has described statements made on Tuesday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as unacceptable, pointing out that they are not helpful at a time when efforts are underway to help continue the negotiations aiming to solve the Cyprus problem.

 

Erdogan criticised on Tuesday the use of the Cypriot flag at European meetings, claiming that the flag shows the whole island and gives the impression that Cyprus is only Greek.

 

Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday in a written statement that Erdogan`s unacceptable statements are not helpful as efforts are being made to continue the UN-led Cyprus peace talks.

 

He also said that threats do not contribute to the restoration of trust and attempts to build the appropriate climate.

 

 

“As a response to these statements we reiterate our determination to continue the dialogue, with a view to terminate the Turkish occupation and reunify our homeland the soonest possible, not under conditions and provisions which serve the one side or any other third country, but with a settlement that will address the expectations of the people of Cyprus as a whole,” he stressed in his statement.

 

Diplomatic efforts intensify this week to help resume the UN-led peace talks between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. Their most recent round of talks, in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland, on territory did not yield the desired results, an agreement on the criteria on territorial adjustments to enable the process to make headway.

 

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

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