Commenting on an interview by Kenan Akin who shot dead Greek Cypriot Solomos Solomou in August 1996 during an anti-occupation demonstration, Garoyian said that “unfortunately Akin remains unrepentant as Turkey continues to provoke and behaves in a very arrogant way, under the protection of some of its powerful allies.”
It is for this reason that unfortunately Turkey continues to hinder efforts to achieve a correct, functional and viable settlement, leaving the Cyprus question pending since 1974, he pointed out. Ankara, he added, continues to provoke the international community and breach international law and EU principles and values.
Invited to comment on reports that some EU countries favour an evaluation of Turkey’s accession course in 2010 instead of 2009, Garoyian said there is no official indication that something like this will happen. He noted that the Cyprus government is aware of these rumors and is evaluating them.
With regard to the question whether Cyprus should apply to join the Partnership for Peace (PfP), Garoyian noted his party’s position that the Republic of Cyprus must join PfP the soonest possible.
However, he stressed, that this decision will be taken by the Cypriot government and the President and not by the European Parliament or any other foreign country.
On the other hand, he noted, the European Parliament expresses its opinion and urges, without substituting the President and the executive power, which will take the decision, either for or against submitting an application to join the PfP, he added.
In a report it adopted last week the European Parliament encouraged Cyprus to review its political position on its membership of the Partnership for Peace.
Cyprus President Demetris Christofias reiterated on Sunday that Cyprus will not apply for accession to the PfP.
Cyprus, an EU member state since May 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Turkey which aspires to become an EU member state does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.
Financial Mirror, February 23, 2009
