EU expresses 'concern' over Cyprus, Turkey tension
The European Council, in its final communique issued on Friday, expressed serious concerns about rising tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and urged Turkey to show restraint and respect Cyprus' sovereign rights in its territorial waters and its Exclusive Economic Zone.
European leaders reaffirmed a statement issued by the European Union and its member-states made on September 21, 2005, which had stressed that the recognition of all member-states is a mandatory component of the accession process. They also added that, in the current circumstances, it was "more important than ever to reach a comprehensive Cyprus settlement" and to ensure a positive climate that will allow negotiations to resume.
Meanwhile, the Cypriot government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides relayed the thanks of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades to Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras for representing the Cyprus Republic at the EU summit, saying that there had been "excellent coordination" between Greece and Cyprus from the first moment. Many leaders, through their contribution to the discussion, helped in arriving at these very important conclusions, the spokesman added.
He said the Cyprus president's health was much improved and that Anastasiades will be returning to Cyprus on Saturday, though he will be staying in a hospital overnight and go directly from the hospital to the airport.
