"THE VENUE FOR THE SOLUTION OF CYPRUS IS CYPRUS, NOT BRUSSELS"

With regard to European Union Foreign Ministers' resolution on Turkey, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said, "Even though there are some elements in this resolution which we don't approve of resulting from pressure of an EU member state, Turkey's overall accession bid has been confirmed and negotiation process has been prevented from encountering an obstacle."

Bagis who took part in the official delegation during Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's USA visit answered the questions of the journalists.

In response to a question asking about the resolution of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the EU on Turkey and enlargement, Bagis said:

"Even though there are some elements in this resolution which we don't approve of resulting from pressure of an EU member state, Turkey's overall accession bid has been confirmed and negotiation process has been prevented from encountering an obstacle.

We hereby appreciate efforts by almost all EU member states to pass the resolution as it is, which is in Turkey's favour and their common sense. In this context, I would especially like to thank the Swedish presidency for its contributions.

Bagis indicated that they expected the environment chapter to be opened during Swedish presidency and upon a question asking if the decision taken by the EU foreign ministers would affect Turkey's EU membership process, Bagis said:

"As Turkey, we will continue our journey on the way to the EU with the same enthusiasm, determination and resolution.

It isn't something new for Greek Cypriot part to refer the Cyprus issue to the EU and demand that the EU correct the mistakes it made. Nonetheless common sense and far-sightedness are elements which prevail in the EU.

We expect the EU to maintain its common sense approach on the Cyprus issue. The EU knows Turkey's and TRNC's will for a solution and their efforts to this end very well. For the EU, the venue for the solution to the Cyprus issue is Cyprus, not Brussels.

Cyprus issue can't be solved by simply letting certain vessels into Turkish ports. We expect the Greek Cypriot part to make sincere efforts towards a solution with its counterpart Mehmet Ali Talat instead of being occupied with vessel traffic schedules. Time is running out. It is up to the Greek Cypriot part to choose between settlement and deadlock."

Source: AA