Turkish EU minister says EU one of actors of deadlock in Cyprus question

ANKARA (A.A) - November 15, 2011 - Turkish EU minister has said that the EU had become one of actors of deadlock in Cyprus issue by awarding the Greek Cypriot administration which did not exert any effort for a solution. EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis released a message to mark the 28th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC) foundation. Bagis said they, as the Justice and Development (AK) Party government, had recorded great progress in regard to the Cyprus issue in favor of the Turkish Cypriot party for nine years. Turkey has explained the Cyprus cause to the world and worked to improve TRNC in areas of politics and economy, he said. "We showed the world who is in favor of solution and who is against it. TRNC and Turkey were and are always in favor of solution," he said. Bagis said that the world and the Mediterranean region would benefit from Cyprus's being an island of peace and tranquility. Turkey hoped that ongoing negotiations under the auspices of UN secretary general in the island would pave the way for a solution, he added.