Following the “elections” in northern Cyprus, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle issued the following statement in Berlin today (19 April):

“We expect the future leaders of the Turkish-Cypriot community to adopt a constructive position in the talks on Cyprus. The talks must be continued on the basis of the parameters laid down by the United Nations.

The only way to resolve the Cyprus issue is through negotiation. This requires the readiness and courage of both sides to make painful compromises.”

Background

Since Turkey’s military intervention in 1974, Cyprus has been de facto divided. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus, which is recognized internationally as the representative of the entire island, exercises sovereignty in the Greek-Cypriot southern part.

The “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, proclaimed in the Turkish-Cypriot northern part of the island in 1983, is not recognized by the international community, with the exception of Turkey.

Under the auspices of the United Nations, representatives of both parts of Cyprus have been negotiating a possible reunification of the island since 2008.