Babacan recalled that E.U. countries guaranteed to support a U.N.-led solution to the problem in the supplementary protocol issued when the Greek Cyprus joined the European Union.
Minister Babacan said the Cyprus problem and Article 301 of Turkish Penal Code were discussed in every talk with E.U. diplomats.
He stated how he insistently reminded E.U. diplomats what Turkish Cyprus did over the four years and the unfulfilled promises of the Euroean Union. In response to questions from the European Union in regards to Article 301, Babcan said: “Trial of intellectuals and writers upsets me. We are waiting for interpretations to accumulate in this issue. Jurists are working on possible measures. No law is unchangeable.”
EU Shouldn’t be Captives of Greek Cypriots
Babacan stated Turkey had never run away from negotiations over the Cyprus issue, adding: “The E.U. should not be a captive in the hands of the Greek Cypriots.”
Negotiations could be resumed despite cancellation of the Helsinki meeting, Babacan said, adding: “The Cyprus problem has existed for 40 years and the cancellation of the meeting is not a disaster.”
Babacan stressed support for E.U. membership had dropped in all current E.U. member countries while they were candidates and stated the Justice and Development Party (AKP) would continue reforms.
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