There must be tangible progress in Cyprus, says Italian FM Terzi

ISTANBUL (A.A) - Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi said Saturday more efforts were needed in Cyprus as the ongoing negotiations did not make any progress. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu in Istanbul, Terzi said that "there had to be tangible progress in Cyprus". The trade volume between Turkey and Italy is over 21 billion USD. Such a figure is important for our economies, Terzi said. Pointing out that growth, regional dialogue and stability were key factors for Italy's foreign policy, Terzi underlined that their relations with Turkey showed them that they were on the right track. The negotiations in Cyprus have not made progress. We will work with Turkey to overcome the problems in Cyprus, Terzi underlined. Italy's policy is clear on Turkey-EU relations and the need to open all chapters to negotiations. Our policy on ending visa requirement from Turkish citizens is also clear, Terzi said. Touching on Syria, Terzi said that diplomatic pressure had to be placed on the Assad regime. I share the same vision with Davutoglu that the atrocity in Syria must come to an end and humanitarian assistance must reach the Syrian people, Terzi underlined. On the tension Italy lived with India at the Indian Ocean, Terzi said that they could not accept any negative acts on Italian flagged ships in international water. In response to a question on Syria, Terzi stated that it was unacceptable to see the International Red Crescent and Red Cross Aid Organizations not being permitted to enter Syria. It is a must for the members of the UN Security Council to act in a parallel way with each other on Syria. The process must make sure that Syria does not enter an era of civil war. Unfortunately, there seems to be a possibility for a civil war. We have a responsibility to solve the Syrian issue in the shortest time possible, Terzi also said.