The European Union has rejected the incorporation late last Friday of Northern Cyprus, a ‘de facto’ state called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus only recognized by Turkey, as an «observer state» in the Organization of Turkic States comprising Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
«This decision, pending ratification by the members of the Organization, is regrettable and contradicts the fact that several members of the Organization expressed strong support for the principle of territorial integrity and the UN Charter,» the EU External Action service has made known in a statement sent on Saturday.
Brussels recalls that it has made clear «repeatedly and even at the highest political level, that the EU recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law».
Therefore, «any action to facilitate or otherwise assist international recognition of the Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity seriously undermines efforts to create an environment conducive to the resumption of settlement talks under the auspices of the United Nations.»
Cyprus has been divided into two parts since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the north of the island for fear that it would be annexed by Greece, although only the Greek Cypriot Executive is recognized by the international community. The capital, Nicosia, is also divided in two by the ‘Green Line’, established by the UN.
The EU declares itself «committed to a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem based on a bizonal and bicommunal federation with political equality», the communiqué concludes before assuring that there is «no alternative» to this option.
