Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu ‘strongly condemns’ EC head’s comments
FOREIGN Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu has “strongly condemned” comments by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen that the EU would “never, ever” accept a two-state solution in Cyprus.
As reported by Cyprus Today last week, Ms von der Leyen made the remarks during a press conference at a European Council summit in Brussels in response to a question from a reporter about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s planned visit to the TRNC later this month.
“I strongly condemn the response of the President of the European Commission Von der Leyen,” Mr Ertuğruloğlu said in a written statement.
“The EU officials, with these statements, are disregarding the will of the Turkish Cypriot People. This position of the EU is a recent example of their unconditional support to the Greek Cypriot Administration.
“This manner of the EU, however, is not surprising as they have not kept even one promise they have extended to the Turkish Cypriot People.
“This manner, also, points out to the fact that the EU is happy with the status quo on the Island. Any settlement on the Island will be reached between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides. The EU will eventually understand this fact.
“We will never accept this aggressive and improper behaviour of the EU taken in order to camouflage their shame in making the Greek [Cypriot] State a member to the Union under the name of ‘Cyprus’ despite the Union’s membership criteria.
“We remain committed to pursuing our state policy based on sovereignty and equal international status.”