Relations with Iraq Do Not Affect Cyprus

The US ambassador believes that signing of the protocol on the adaptation of the Ankara Agreement does not imply the recognition of Greek Cypriots neither diplomatically nor de facto. Indicating that the Greek Cypriots will not bring additional demands after October 3rd, Weston signified that Greek Cypriots made great efforts to ensure their recognition before the December 17th European Union (EU) summit in Brussels, but the EU still reached a decision to continue negotiations with Turkey. "The start of negotiations on December 17th was not linked to providing of peace on the island. The lessons that should be derived from this is that Greek Cypriots cannot demand diplomatic recognition after October 3rd. Turkey had done whatever it could. What more could it do? The Annan plan was rejected not by Turks, but by the Greek Cypriots," said Weston. He added that even though Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopulous continues in his irreconcilable attitude, he does not see any signs regarding recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by the US. "Neither Turkey, nor the Cypriot Turks demand recognition. There is only one thing they demand, that is to become an EU member. Within such a framework, what is the point in recognition of the TRNC?" concluded Weston.