ANKARA
The European Union (EU) should take a just, principled and determined stance in the Cyprus issue and not favor the Greek Cypriot administration during the ongoing peace talks just because it is a member country, Turkey's foreign minister said Friday.
Ahmet Davutoglu held a joint press conference with his Dutch counterpart Frans Timmermans after the sixth meeting of the 'Turkish-Dutch Bilateral (Wittenburg) Conference' in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Davutoglu said there is a positive momentum which is very promising in terms of reaching a comprehensive settlement of the longstanding problem in Cyprus.
"Now it is time to construct a building out of this momentum. Columns should rise, walls should be put up, and a Cyprus in peace should be established," he said.
Davutoglu also called on the EU not to favor any side during the negotiation process.
He said it would be a mistake if the EU chooses to favor the Greek side just because it is an EU member.
He stressed that both Turkish and Greek sides sit around the negotiation table on equal terms.
After a nearly two year-long pause, Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders held their first meeting on Tuesday and agreed on issuing a joint declaration that outlines how the talks should move forward. It recommends recognizing the equal status of the two states, while aiming to bring the divided communities closer under a federal government.
The Greek Cypriot administration is a member of the European Union and recognized by all internationally, except Turkey. Only the Republic of Turkey recognizes the TRNC.
Dutch Foreign Minister Timmermans also commended the leadership that all parties showed for the adoption of a joint communique.
"I have seen strong political willingness to create some dynamics, which is a very necessary development in our joint future," he said.
He said a resolution to the Cyprus conflict will bring economic advantages to the whole region.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
