A Cyprus solution will enhance Turkey`s European prospects, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said here today, adding that this is not a blackmailing practice imposed by the EU or Cyprus onto Ankara, but rather “a minimum requirement for a country which continues to occupy part of the territory of a member state of the EU, which it aspires to join”.

Stylianides, while referring to recent statements by Turkish Premier Erdogan and the country’s Foreign Minister Davutoglu, said that the government is following these statements with interest. He added that the approach in solving problems can not in any way deviate from international law provisions.

He went on by saying that Nicosia supports Turkey`s European prospects and added that the Cyprus government expects Turkey to undertake its responsibilities as a guarantor power and demonstrate its will for a Cyprus solution.

On Davutoglu’s statements, Stylianides said he agreed with undertaking “strategic, ethical and realistic decisions” he added however that it is not the responsibility of the Greek Cypriot side to take these decisions.

The Government Spokesman noted finally that Cyprus’ economic troubles are not and will not become a precondition for deciding on the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.