British High Commissioner calls on Greek Cypriots not to postpone Turkey's EU membership

The British High Commissioner Peter Millet has called on the Greek Cypriot Administration not to take any initiatives which will hinder Turkey’s European Union membership process and warned that it will be harmful for Turkey, Cyprus and the EU if the Greek Cypriot Side blocks the Council of Europe’s evaluation report on Turkey.

In an interview with a newspaper in South Cyprus, the High Commissioner stated that proposals included in the recent recommendation report by the EU Commission are ‘too much’, adding that this view is also shared by some other member countries.

He stressed that there is no connection between Turkey’s EU obligations and the Cyprus issue.

Noting that Britain does not support the idea of setting timetable for Turkey to fulfill its obligations, Mr Millet warned that deadlines will cause Turkey to move away from the process related to the EU and the Cyprus issue.

Underlining the need for Turkey to fulfill its obligations, the High Commissioner said a strong message should be given to Turkey but this message should also be moderate to encourage Turkey to continue its membership process.

Stating that all EU states are in favor of a solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr Millet said the United Nations is the most suitable basis for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

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