The Presidency has reacted to the paragraph on Cyprus in the European Commission’s report on Türkiye in its Enlargement Strategy Paper for 2023.

In a statement issued by the President it was noted that the Commission once again showed how disconnected it is from the realities on the island by maintaining its traditional stance in its report.

The Presidency responded to the European Commission’s report on Türkiye in its Enlargement Strategy Paper for 2023, specifically addressing the paragraphs regarding Cyprus.

It criticized the Commission for maintaining a traditional stance that is disconnected from the realities on the ground.

The statement expressed concern that the EU has become a prisoner of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, which was unilaterally accepted as a member in violation of full membership criteria.

The Turkish Cypriot side has put forward a new and realistic solution vision for the Cyprus issue, but the Greek Cypriot side has shown an uncompromising attitude.

The statement stated that a solution in Cyprus can only be found through a new negotiation process that begins with the confirmation of Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and equal international status.

The EU’s current position was criticized for perpetuating the status quo, and it was noted that the EU has no role to play in any possible process regarding the Cyprus issue.

The statement also called on the EU to lift the unjust isolations imposed on Turkish Cypriots and not hinder their participation in international platforms.