The culmination of the Turkish arrogance and offensive policy, in combination with the unacceptable demands by Turkish Cypriot politicians hinder prospects for the resumption of the negotiations, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou has said.

He reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side has made it clear to the UN Secretary General that it is ready to immediately proceed to negotiations on the internal aspects of the Cyprus problem, and participate in a new international conference on Cyprus, as long as it is properly prepared, and all five Security Council Permanent members, as well as the EU actively participate in the conference.

He added that it has been made clear that Turkey’s illegal actions as well as the Turkish Cypriots unacceptable demands need to be lifted, so that negotiations take place in a climate which will facilitate their positive outcome, noting that Turkey must take decisions aiming at such an outcome.

Photiou was speaking during an event at the Presidential Palace organized by “The European Cyprus Society” NGO, with the support of NEPOMAK (young overseas Cypriots organization), entitled “Cyprus in the World: Youth and the Diaspora”.

He underlined that in any case, the aim of the Greek Cypriot side is the termination of Cyprus’ occupation and the reunification of the island through a permanent lasting solution that will safeguard human rights and the basic freedoms of all Cypriots, without guarantee and intervention rights by any country and especially by Turkey, which illegally occupies part of Cyprus’ territory for 44 years, depriving the Cypriot people of its rights and freedoms.

Photiou also noted the support of the Cypriot diaspora in Cyprus’ struggle for a settlement, noting at the same time that the Cyprus government has been promoting and implementing significant actions in the framework of the National Strategy on Overseas Cypriots.

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