Cyprus Mail 10th Feb 09

President Christofias yesterday warned Turkey that it will never join the European Union as long as it maintains occupation troops in Cyprus.

“No. The answer is one word. It is not possible for Turkey to be accepted as a member of the Union while continuing the occupation of Cyprus,” he told foreign correspondents in Nicosia.

“It’s very clear to me; it’s very clear to EU members and the Commission. So, it all depends on Turkey. I hope no EURO member will try to cover for Turkey.”

He said that Ankara holds all the keys to its own accession to the European family and Nicosia officially endorses Turkey’s candidature under certain conditions.

"It is a paradox that a country wishing to join the bloc does not recognise a member state, and not open its ports or airports to ships and planes of that EURO state.”

On the talks process, the president said he was ready to compromise in the name of flexibility to get results with Turkish Cypriot leader Mahomet Ali Tablet.

"I believe we have a common vision with Mr Talat, as old friends ... to end this unacceptable situation, to reunite our country and our people under the roof of a federation and to end the presence of foreign troops in our country.”

On the thorny issue of property which is now under discussion, he disclosed there were significant differences between him and Talat.

Legal owners should have the first and last word on what they will do with their properties in the occupied north, he said.