Turkey to freeze EU ties if Cyprus gets presidency

[Alexandros]

Turkey to freeze EU ties if Cyprus gets presidency

ANKARA | Sun Sep 18, 2011 4:10am EDT

(Reuters) - Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said EU-candidate Turkey would freeze relations with the European Union if Cyprus is given the rotating EU presidency in 2012, state-run Anatolian news agency reported late on Saturday.

"If the peace negotiations there (Cyprus) are not conclusive, and the EU gives its rotating presidency to southern Cyprus, the real crisis will be between Turkey and the EU," Anatolian quoted Atalay as telling Turkish Cypriot Bayrak Radio and TV at the end of a trip to the breakaway state of northern Cyprus.

"Because we will then freeze our relations with the EU. We have made this announcement, as a government we have made this decision," the agency quoted Atalay as saying.

The internationally-recognized Greek Cypriot government is due to obtain the six-month rotating EU presidency in July 2012.

(Reporting by Jonathon Burch; Editing by Alistair Lyon)

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Don`t forget to slam the door behind you.

[garod]

Re: Turkey to freeze EU ties if Cyprus gets presidency

Actually this is what Southern Cyprus wants to see! In a few days, He is going to start natural gas researchs. Will he find anything in a month? - No. So what's the aim? - The aim is the month "October" which is the important date of negotiations in EU with Turkey. Funny to write here but, firstly provocate Turkey and then start to cry. This is Greek Cypriots' cheap politics.

If he accepts to discuss one state solution, Northern or Southern - all Cyprus will control its natural gas researchs and its wealth.But unfortunately,Southern doesnt want to wait negotiation and gives a kind of message that he has a right to research on his own.He accepts, Northern side is another area. So no necessary to cry, if Northern Cyprus makes a agreement with Turkey for researching natural gas.

[Alexandros]

Re: Turkey to freeze EU ties if Cyprus gets presidency

Don`t you think there`s a difference here? Or you don`t see the "northern part" as occupied by Turkey? Have you seen the demonstrations in the occupied part of Cyprus by the Turkish Cypriots against Turkey for not so long time ago? Even the Turkish Cypriots have become a "minority" because of all the mainland Turks that have been brought to the occupied part of Cyprus after the Turkish invasion 1974. When even the Turkish Cypriots tells Turkey to stop meddling into their internal affairs don`t you think that something is wrong with the Turkish occupation?

Here`s an article:

Turkish PM demands action against Turkish Cypriot protesters:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=pm-demands-legal-action-against-turkish-cypriot-protestors-2011-02-06

And a video:

Turkish Cypriots 2nd Bigger Demonstration 02.03.2011 - news reports:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVaKQoQ5iF0&feature=colike

[garod]

Re: Turkey to freeze EU ties if Cyprus gets presidency

I know the news that you posted.I believe in both sides have big mistakes regarding this issue. Northern Cyprus' situation has many similarities with Karabakh issue. Unfortunately, Greek Cypriots have never accepted Turkish Cypriots as equal citizens.If everything was perfect, Why all that events happened!

A few times ago, I watched a contemproray video installation "1+1=1" by Kutlug Ataman.It tells the situtation very well from the eyes of a Turkish Cypriot.If you can get a chance, I highly recommend it for an objective look. http://www.saatleriayarlamaenstitusu...works/work/56/.

[Alexandros]

Re: Turkey to freeze EU ties if Cyprus gets presidency

If Turkey demanded the same rights for the Turkish Cypriots then I would like to see Turkey to demand the same rights for the Kurds in Turkey, right? But have you seen Turkey demand that the Kurds in Turkey should have the right to live in two different states? I mean the Greek Cypriots have already accepted a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Have you seen Turkey accepting the same for the Kurds in Turkey?

If you believe that Turkey invaded Cyprus to "save" the Turkish Cypriots then you are delusional. Again, why do you think Turkey brought all the mainland Turks to the occupied part of Cyprus after the invasion of Cyprus 1974? The occupied part of Cyprus is the most militirized zone in the world! Now, if you think that a small country like Cyprus is a threat and whose army is 12.000 soldiers compared to Turkey`s army in the occupied part of Cyprus which amounts to 45.000 soldiers then you are being paranoid.

Let me repeat, Turkey did not invade Cyprus to save the Turkish Cypriots. They had their own strategic reasons and of course USA and Great Britain gave their blessings too.

[KarotheGreat]

Re: Turkey to freeze EU ties if Cyprus gets presidency

Since the North is occupied by Turkey, Cyprus can do as they please and drill where ever they please if Turkey doesn't like it, that is their problem not that of Cyprus.

[Mos]

Re: Turkey to freeze EU ties if Cyprus gets presidency

Cyprus should burn the Turkish flag while drilling. How dare Turkey the occupier of Northern Cyprus tell Cyprus what they can't and can do around their territory.