European Commission decision to appoint Cyprus special representative is their 'internal matter': Türkiye

ISTANBUL

Türkiye said Wednesday that a decision by the European Commission to appoint a Cyprus special representative is an "internal matter of the EU."

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the EU lost neutrality on the Cyprus issue when it admitted the Greek Cypriot side as a member in 2004 despite its rejection of the UN Comprehensive Settlement Plan.

"Over time, the EU has consistently defended the positions and claims of the Greek Cypriot side regarding the Cyprus issue, and we observe that this partisan stance has recently become even more entrenched.

"On the other hand, we expect the appointed official to encourage the Greek Cypriot side to finally recognize the realities on the island and to help them understand that any future negotiation process must not be between two communities, but rather between two states with sovereign equality," said Oncu Keceli.

ISTANBUL

Türkiye said Wednesday that a decision by the European Commission to appoint a Cyprus special representative is an "internal matter of the EU."

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the EU lost neutrality on the Cyprus issue when it admitted the Greek Cypriot side as a member in 2004 despite its rejection of the UN Comprehensive Settlement Plan.