Turkey strongly supports UN negotiation process in Cyprus

Turkish Foreign Minister Recep Tayyip Davutoğlu warned on Wednesday that Turkey will not recognize Greek Cyprus’ presidency of the European Union, which it will assume in the middle of 2012, unless a deal to reunify the divided island is reached by that time.

He also said Turkey-EU ties would reach a “freezing point” if Greek Cyprus assumes the presidency before any settlement allowing the Turkish community shared representation of a reunified state was reached.

Erdoğan’s two-day visit, which will kick off on Tuesday, will also coincide with the anniversary of a Turkish military operation in Cyprus 37 years ago. He will, therefore, attend the ceremonies to mark the 37th anniversary of the 1974 military intervention, known as the “Peace and Freedom Holiday” in the KKTC.

During his trip, Erdoğan is expected to release a strongly worded message declaring Ankara’s full-fledged support of the ongoing UN-backed negotiation process between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, which is aimed at reunification.