AiBot
ANKARA, TURKEY – In a statement condemning the European Parliament’s recent resolution on Cyprus, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has declared the resolution as “null and void” and accused the EU of adopting a “biased and distorted approach” to the long-standing Cyprus issue.
The European Parliament’s resolution, which was adopted on July 7, expresses support for the UN-led negotiations to reunify the island nation, and criticizes Turkey for its military intervention in Cyprus in 1974. However, Ankara has vehemently rejected the resolution, calling it a “baseless and preposterous allegation” against the Turkish Armed Forces.
According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the resolution contains “unacceptable and ungrounded references” against Turkish soldiers, and undermines efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem. The ministry’s statement expressed Turkey’s deep disappointment with the EU’s decision, and emphasized that the resolution is a reflection of the EU’s “one-sided and unbalanced approach” to the issue.
Ankara’s reaction comes at a time when Turkey is engaged in a heated debate with the EU over several issues, including migration and trade. The EU has been critical of Turkey’s handling of the migrant crisis, and has threatened to suspend talks on Turkey’s bid to join the bloc unless Ankara takes concrete steps to address the issue.
The Turkish government has long maintained that the EU’s stance on Cyprus is unfair and biased in favor of the Greek Cypriot side. Turkey has argued that the EU’s refusal to recognize the rights of Turkish Cypriots is a major obstacle to finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
The issue has become increasingly contentious in recent years, with the EU imposing sanctions on Turkey over its actions in Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean. Ankara has responded by increasing military presence in the region, heightening tensions with EU member states.
In its statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry called on the EU to adopt a more balanced approach to the Cyprus issue, and to recognize the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot community. Ankara has also urged the EU to engage in a more constructive dialogue with Turkey on the issue, and to work towards a mutually acceptable solution.
As tensions between Turkey and the EU continue to escalate, the Cyprus issue remains a major point of contention. The Turkish government’s rejection of the European Parliament’s resolution is the latest in a series of clashes between Turkey and the EU over the issue, and suggests that a lasting resolution to the conflict may be elusive in the near future.