Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-04-25

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] RICE - CYPRUS

[01] RICE - CYPRUS

Speaking during a press conference in Athens with her Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyiannis, Rice asserted that at the time that Cyprus, a still divided island, acceded to the EU, there was an understanding that Cyprus would certainly do nothing to block Turkeys accession to the EU.

She said that during their talks today in Athens, they discussed the need for a resolution of the situation in Cyprus, noting it is something that has gone on far too long, and we would hope that the elements for a Cyprus resolution might come into being. She also said they discussed what some of these elements might be.

Asked whether she believes Turkey can continue to have a European course with an unresolved Cyprus problem and the fact that it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state as well as keeping its ports and airports close to Cypriot planes and ships, Rice replied:

«We believe that Turkey should accede to the EU. We know that there are requirements that need to be met, and we have engaged both Europe and Turkey to encourage, we are not members of the EU, we dont have a veto, but we have encouraged that union take place because Turkey is a European country and should have this European perspective.

Rice acknowledged that there is considerable work that remains to be done, and of course issues concerning Cyprus are among the work that needs to be done.

She noted that we do believe that there needs to be good will and effort by Turkey but there are also needs to be good will and effort by Cyprus, because at the time that Cyprus, a still divided island, acceded to the EU, I think there was an understanding that Cyprus would certainly do nothing to block Turkeys accession and indeed would work actively, if the EU decided that Turkey should accede, to see that take place.

The US Secretary of State said that her country is encouraging all parties, Turkey to do what it must on the outstanding Cyprus issues, but Cyprus also to do what it can to ease the isolation of northern Cyprus and to act responsibly in trying to complete the elements that would lead to Turkeys accession, which we consider to be very important

On her part, Bakoyiannis said Greeces firm aim is to achieve a just, viable and functional solution on Cyprus.

She also said that recently, a dynamic has developed which everyone must make use of, adding that we must create the preconditions to start a new effort, within the UN framework, offering significant guarantees that it will be successful.

I believe no one can take another failure, said Bakoyiannis, pointing out that Greece is working constantly with the Republic of Cyprus in a substantial and decisive manner.

Rice is currently in Ankara where she is holding talks with the Turkish political leadership.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the islands northern third.

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