STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ASSOC.PROF. TURGAY AVCI

The Greek Cypriot administration’s conclusion of a defence cooperation agreement with France the other day constitutes yet another example of its actions designed to heighten tension in the island and the Eastern Mediterranean. This reckless attitude of the Greek Cypriot administration is worrisome.

The agreement which has been signed by Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Lillikas and the French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie in Paris constitutes a clear violation of the 1960 Agreements. The said agreement will adversely affect the delicate balance in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as the efforts which are being made to bring about a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue under the auspices of the UN.

Within the context of our efforts before the international community to draw attention to the ever-increasing armament efforts of the Greek Cypriot administration, we have raised this issue stressing the obligation to comply with the relevant Agreements which have been also endorsed by the UN.

The Greek Cypriot administration which unilaterally usurped the Republic of Cyprus cannot conclude military agreements under the Treaties of Establishment, Guarantee and Alliance. Therefore, the said Agreement which has been concluded with France is invalid and will not be tolerated by the Turkish Cypriot people under any circumstances.

It is amply clear that by exploiting also the agreement it has signed with France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the Greek Cypriot administration is striving to garner support in order to gain the upper hand in the Cyprus issue.

As the Turkish Cypriot side, we call on the Greek Cypriot administration, once again, to renounce its irresponsible and intransigent policy and to concentrate all its efforts to find a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem.

2 March 2007, Lefkoşa