4 hours agoVon der Leenen: EU will never accept two states in Cyprus
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday (July 8th) that Brussels would never accept “the two-state solution to Cyprus. I repeat that we will never accept a two-state solution. For that we have determination and are united”, von der Leyeen told reporters after [...]
I repeat that we will never accept a two-state solution. For this we have determination and are united”, von der Leyeen told reporters after meeting in Cyprus with President Nicos Anastassiades.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded a part of the country.
Turkey-controlled north declared independence in 1983, but is recognised only by Ankara. Cyprus became an EU member in 2004.
The United Nations, which nearly six decades have established peacekeepers there and has since been trying to mediate an agreement on the island.
Greek Cypriots say the obstacle to failing to reach the agreement is the insistence on Cyprus being divided into two states, while Nicosia supports reunification based on a federal model.
Von der Leeyen said on Thursday that the EU has sent a clear message to Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan.
“I want our neighbours (Turkey) to know that if they speak to any tone with one of our member states, such as Cyprus, they speak with the EU”, she said.
