Verheugen criticizes Greek Cyprus’ role in failure…

Addressing the committee, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen said that the EU was not responsible for the Cyprus issue and criticized the Greek Cypriots’ stance. He said that in the beginning, the Greek Cypriots had lent their support to United Nations peace efforts on the island, but then had changed their attitude after signing their 2002 EU accession agreement. Praising the Turkish side’s constructive efforts during negotiations, Verheugen stated this had contrasted with the Greek side’s approach. Verheugen called the Greek Cypriots’ concerns over the Turkish side groundless, adding that it was absurd to allege that an EU candidate country would threaten an EU member state. He remarked that the EU would give financial support to the TRNC not only for infrastructure upgrades but also for cultural, social and judicial projects. Commenting on the presence of Turkish troops on the island, the commissioner said that these forces would remain, adding that their number could even rise. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat also spoke to the committee.