Greece has replied to Turkish Cypriot claims about a second state entity in Cyprus, saying that Athens is willing to offer any interested party lessons in international law.
Greek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Konstantinos Koutras, invited to comment on statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu regarding the alleged existence of a second state entity in Cyprus, said that “Athens is at the disposal of any party interested in lessons in international law, starting with the basics and the self-evident.”
Eroglu had made “recommendations” that Athens should “not confuse the terms ‘state’ and ‘recognized state’”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. A breakaway state declared unilaterally independence in 1983, in the areas of the island under Turkish occupation, an action condemned by the international community and the UN Security Council as legally null and void.
UN-led peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country under a federal roof.