The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs comments on the European Union’s annual progress report on Turkey’s accession path with a statement.

According to the correspondent of SKAI, in Istanbul, Manoli KostidiAnkara takes issue with the EU saying that the report reflects “the illegal and maximalist views of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side”. He also points out that he has no right to be involved in the resolution of the Cyprus problem nor, as he says, in the determination of borders in Cyprus.

The report emphasizes that Turkey plays a constructive role in the Eastern Mediterranean, improves its relations with Greece and develops its cooperation with the EU in trade matters. In accordance with our constructive approach recorded in the Report, we expect the removal of political obstacles in Turkey-EU relations, which were implemented with the conclusions of the Council of July 15, 2019,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry points out and continues:

“On the other hand, the report reflects the illegal and maximalist views of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side that are not in line with reality. It completely ignores the legitimate concerns and justified policies of Turkey and the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”.

In this context, the Turkish Ministry states that “the format for the solution of the Cyprus issue includes only the two parties on the island, the three guarantor powers and the United Nations. Any future settlement must be reached with the agreement of both parties
on the island”.

“The statements of the E.U. on the Cyprus issue, which unconditionally reflect the attitude of the Greek Cypriot side and do not take into account the inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, do not contribute to the efforts to resolve and clearly show why the involvement of the E.U. in the solution is not an appropriate choice. We would also like to remind that the E.U. it does not have the right to determine the borders of third countries nor the authority to decide on this matter”, he concludes.