Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has condemned statements made by Turkish Minister for EU Affairs Egemen Bagis as regards the Europa League clash between Cypriot team AEL and Turkey’s Fenerbahce.

Bagis on Sunday invited President Demetris Christofias to the football game to take place in Constantinople on November 8, saying that President Christofias “was looking for a reason to visit Constantinople and that he should come along with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu”. He also added that he would buy a round of coffee for the two leaders after the game ends.

In a written statement issued Monday, Government Spokesman said that Bagis is trying to make an impression by sarcastically conveying an unserious invitation regarding a football match.

He went on to say that if these statements are adopted by Turkey, then the Turkish government itself faces responsibility issues.

Referring to comments in the press, Spokesman said that President Christofias has never expressed his desire to visit Bosporus in order to have fish meze with the Turkish leadership, but instead to discuss his vision on the Cyprus problem.

He went on to say that Eroglu is welcome to attend the first leg of the game in Nicosia October 25.

“President Christofias and Mr. Eroglu can watch the game together in their homeland as citizens of the Cyprus Republic”, he stressed.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The two communities in Cyprus have been engaged in UN-backed talks with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.