The Turkish government is going to create hassles to the Republic of Cyprus during the Cyprus’ EU Presidency to begin July 1st, in order to produce tension, Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Markoullis, said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a lunch for the members of the press, Markoullis expressed the view that Ankara will follow a provocation tactic against the Cyprus government in order to create problems.
However she added that diplomatic circles have expressed the opinion that Ankara will not try to provoke the whole of the EU in order to avoid negative reactions, thus her actions will be controlled.
The Cypriot FM reiterated that the government will be closely monitoring the Turkish movements and will be reacting accordingly.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded its northern part. Ankara has threatened that it will freeze relations with the Cyprus’ EU Presidency.
Markoullis said that a successful Presidency will be very beneficial for Cyprus and the government has prepared a great deal towards that direction, noting at the same time the precious role of the media.
Referring to the logo of the Presidency “For a better Europe”, she said that it reflects the critical moments the EU is now facing and the aim for a better economic and social future as well as the efforts to effectively tackle unemployment and show solidarity.
She repeated that the Cyprus’ EU Presidency will focus on the Southern Neighborhood because of the current developments in our region.
She said that during the Informal Council of Foreign Ministers to take place in Nicosia on September 7th-8th, the Presidency will focus on the Arab Spring.
The Ministry will also host the meeting of the Ministers of European Affairs to take place 29-30 August.
A total of 15 ministerial conferences and more than 150 meetings will take place in Cyprus during the Presidency.
Markoullis said that the total cost of the Presidency will be 62 million euro, compared to 36 million of the current Danish Presidency and 100 million of the Polish Presidency.
Cyprus which joined the EU in 2004, is part of the trio EU Presidency along with Poland and Denmark.
