Turkey's expansionist policies unacceptable, Cyprus govt says

Turkey must realize that we do not accept its expansionist policies, government spokesman Kyriakos said Thursday in response to statements issued by Turkish officials.

In a written statement, Koushos said "we want to make clear that the President of the Republic will participate in the informal five-party conference which the UN Secretary-General is expected to convene, with political will and determination."

Koushos expressed hope that the conference will pave the way toward a just, durable, viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN decisions, Security Council resolutions and EU principles and values.

The government spokesman said the Republic hopes for a solution that will create the preconditions for a reunited country which will continue to be an EU member state, without foreign troops and anachronistic guarantees.

“A settlement that will respond to the expectations of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots,” Koushos added.

As regards Varosha, Koushos said "Turkey must realize that we do not accept any of its expansionist policies, which are also not accepted by the UN, through the Security Council resolutions on Famagusta, and particularly resolutions 550 and 789, nor by the EU and the international community in general."

The Government Spokesman stressed that that "we will pursue the settlement of the Cyprus problem maintaining these clear positions and in hope that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey will respond in a positive way."