Erdogan discuss Cyprus issue with TRNC President Denktash

Erdogan said he had chosen May 9, Europe Day, for his first visit to the TRNC in order to highlight the importance that Turkey places on EU membership. Erdogan, who has often criticized the hardline nationalist policies of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, praised a decision by the TRNC last month to allow free crossings between the two Cypriot sides. Erdogan said the reunification of the Turkish and Greek sides should be based on the realities in the island and called for the lifting of international sanctions on Turkish side. President Denktash added that TRNC would come over the issue with the support of Turkey.