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Ankara says the effort ignores the reality. The European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution in favor of Cyprus urging European Union (EU) leaders to take steps and impose tough sanctions on Turkey.
This move appears to support France’s efforts to impose sanctions on Turkey at the EU summit next month. Greek Cypriot is a member of the EU.
Turkey is at loggerheads with EU members Greece and Cyprus over hydrocarbon exploration in the disputed eastern Mediterranean waters. (Also read: French and EU parliaments to push for sanctions on Turkey next month)
Erdogan angered Cyprus on November 15 by visiting Varosha, a resort on the island that has been fenced off and abandoned on no man’s land since 1974. (See Infographic: Getting to Know Iglesia Maradoniana, Religion for Puja Maradona)
Cyprus is divided into two, namely the southern part which is called Greek Cyprus and the northern part which is called Northern Cyprus or Turkish Cyprus. (See Video: Rizieq Shihab being treated at Ummi Hospital, Bogor)
Ankara supported the partial reopening of Varosha last month in a move criticized by the United States, Greece and Greek Cypriots.
Turkish Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) spokesman Hami Aksoy criticized the European Parliament resolution. He accused the European Parliament of “being prejudiced and cut off from reality” in Cyprus.
“If this approach and mentality is maintained, it will be impossible for EU bodies to make a constructive contribution to the resolution of the Cyprus problem,” stressed Aksoy.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion after a brief Greek-inspired coup. Only Ankara recognizes Northern Cyprus as an independent state, but not the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government in the southern region.
France has yet to sanction Turkey, but diplomats say any action might target the Turkish economy linked to natural gas exploration in the seas off the coast of Cyprus.
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