The EU expects that Turkey shows respect, both towards the bloc and the member states, and encourages direct talks between Greece and Turkey, as well as discussions on the Cyprus issue within the UN framework, European Council President Charles Michel stated on Tuesday in Lisbon.

Specifically, when asked about EU decisions, last December, on Turkey and how they relate to the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, Michel recalled that “in December, we made the decision on Turkey following the October framework. We have done exactly what was planned, we have analyzed the situation and made decisions on Turkey, and we will return to the issue of Turkey in March and encourage direct talks between Greece and Turkey, as well as discussions on the Cyprus issue within the UN.”
 
“We were absolutely clear. We want to see respect for the EU and the Member States”, the President noted.

President Michel held a joint Press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Lisbon on the occasion of the inauguration of the Portuguese six-monthly rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.
 
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest UN backed round of talks took place in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana but failed to yield any results.

Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, expressed their determination to positively respond to the UN Secretary-General’s commitment to explore the possibility to convene an informal five-plus-United Nations meeting, in a conducive climate, at an appropriate stage, the UN said following the two leaders first informal meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

(CNA)