The content of the Rome Declaration refers to the EU’s, the UN Secretary General’s and the international community’s position on the chapter of security and guarantees of the Cyprus problem, Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides has said.

“The sooner Turkey and certain circles within the Turkish Cypriot community, realise this, the sooner we will able to reach a solution of the Cyprus issue,” Christodoulides said.

“The only thing the (Turkish) press release proves is ire on the part of Turkey over the fact that this position reflects the position of the international community as a whole,” the Spokesman added.

What we are interested in, he noted, “are not impressions, but the solution of the Cyprus problem and we hope that soon Turkey will realise that it only in the context of the position described within the Declaration that a solution can be reached.”

In statements to journalists in Larnaca, the Spokesman was asked to comment on a Turkish Foreign Ministry press release on the Declaration that it “contains distorted and unconstructive statements regarding the Cyprus settlement process.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest round of UN-peace talks at the Swiss resort of Crans – Montana ended without an agreement. Talks held under the auspices of the UN seek to reunify Cyprus under a federal roof.

“We closely follow and reiterate our support for a viable comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, in line with the UNSC resolutions and the EU acquis, that reunifies Cyprus and its people, and which safeguards Cyprus’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, without guarantees” said the declaration adopted by the leaders of Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, who met in Rome for the 4th Summit of the Southern European Union countries.