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Cyprus President asks Merkel to convey message to Erdoğan

23/01/2020 13:23

President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, asked on Thursday the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to convey a message to the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for the immediate termination of Turkish illegal activities in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, while calling on Turkey to conform with the relevant European Council decisions and Conclusions.

According to an announcement by the Presidency of the Republic, President Anastasiades, who is attending in Jerusalem the 5th World Holocaust Forum, had on Thursday morning a telephone conversation with Chancellor Merkel ahead of her visit to Turkey.
 
The President reiterated his determination and readiness for the resumption of settlement talks, far from any threats, that would lead to a Cyprus settlement, it is added.

The announcement also says that Merkel assured the President of Cyprus that she would convey his message to President Erdoğan, while underlining the position of the EU. The German Chancellor said finally that she would inform the President of Cyprus about the outcome of her meeting with Erdoğan in the next few days.
 
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and respect of the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.