Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-06-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - EUROPEAN COUNCIL

[02] PAPADOPOULOS - EU - TURKEY

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - EUROPEAN COUNCIL

Speaking at a press conference at the end of the European Council, President Papadopoulos further said that Cyprus` aim is not to interrupt Turkey`s European course but to have it continued, under the inviolable condition that it will fully respect its obligations towards the EU.

The President also said he has assurances that the forthcoming report on Turkey`s progress will be ``exact, detailed and, from what it seems, very critical of Turkey`s position.``

He further said ``there is no issue of exercising veto in October or November`` when the EU Foreign Ministers will examine Turkey`s accession course, but ``rather an issue of a decision being taken by the member states,`` adding that more and more leaders are beginning to realise Turkey`s changing attitude as regards its EU course.

In his statements, President Papadopoulos referred to paragraph 52 ``where Turkey`s obligation to comply with all the elements contained in the Declaration of 21 September 2005`` is repeated and sets out a review on the progress which Turkey will carry out in fulfilling its obligations towards the EU.

``Until now, not only has there not been any sign of progress but on the contrary there are numerous statements by Turkish officials, such as the Premier and Foreign Minister, who categorically declare that they do not intend to implement the Ankara Protocol,`` the President added.

President Papadopoulos said that within the sidelines of the summit he met Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis, as well as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to whom he ``explained our positions on Cyprus and especially Turkey`s obligation to implement the Protocol.``

President Papadopoulos also said Athens and Nicosia are trying to find the right date for a visit soon by the Cypriot President to the Greek capital.

[02] PAPADOPOULOS - EU - TURKEY

Speaking at Larnaca Airport on his return from Brussels, where he participated in the European Council, President Papadopoulos said Erdogan`s statements have caused discontent among European leaders.

Asked about Erdogan`s statement that if Turkey`s EU negotiations ``cease, then let them cease``, President Papadopoulos said it was ``regrettable`` that Erdogan, even after the European Council decision, continues to maintain the same position regarding Ankara`s refusal to meet its obligations.

He added that such remarks do not facilitate Turkey`s European course.

Asked about the reaction of European leaders, the Cypriot President said the EU wishes to demonstrate its determination and strengthen its credibility.

``Mr. Erdogan`s statements have caused some discontent,`` the President pointed out.

Invited to comment on remarks by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that Cyprus` accession to the EU has complicated the situation on the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos said he found the statement ``incomprehensible`` and noted that he ``set aside the fact that it is a matter that does not concern him.``

Regarding the UN Security Council resolution on the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), President Papadopoulos said he expected a more specific wording but noted that it is ``generally satisfactory.``

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