INTERNATIONAL > We will help if Greek Cyprus recognizes us, says Turkish Cypriot FM

ISTANBUL

Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün (L) and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoğlu is seen in this file photo. Hürriyet photo

Turkish Cyprus is willing to help financially strained Greek Cyprus if the Greek government recognizes Turkish Cyprus, Foreign Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün has said, according to daily Akşam.

"We helped them with electricity in the past," Özgürgün was quoted as saying. "We may now consider offering support."

"However, how can we help someone who continues to say that Turks are the minority, the invader? They have to acknowledge that there is a democracy and an authority here, and say that they would like to cooperate."

Özgürgün blamed Greek Cypriot 'fanaticism' for the country's financial catastrophe.

"They continuously ignored the benefits of reaching agreements between the two parts of the island," Özgürgün said.

December/08/2012

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Sid Mark

12/29/2012 9:15:54 AM

Brit in Turkey.I am a living witness of true events.Wikipedia or other propagandists will not make me change what i know through my life.The murders started in 1958 by the Turkish Cypriots with the aid of the then rulers.It was the imperialists way of devide and rule.

Chris Green

12/10/2012 11:58:30 PM

Oh dear - wake up Christopher (too many long hours!) I meant to say that I am going to enjoy composing the commentary...etc! Just as well that I have a proof reader usually! :-)

Chris Green

12/10/2012 9:14:37 PM

I am SO going to enjoy commentary a commentary on this item for the titles I write for this evening :-) As for someone mentioning or suggesting that the (superior) TSK should be withdrawn, it is actually more likely that they will be substantially reinforced; but not because of any threat from the militarily irrelevant south or indeed their equally skint Athenian patrons, but more for wider regional dynamics.

DAVE IMPALER

12/10/2012 3:36:30 PM

Hahaha, Just read the headline. Is this another joke, can't be April fools, right.

Brit in Turkey

12/10/2012 10:21:40 AM

Sid Mark. You are obviously one who is not of an age to be able to remember the past problems.It has nothing to do with the previous British rule except that there are many former British (and French) colonies that fell into anarchy and civil war after being given independence. Cyprus is one of those. You mentioned EOKA. Please read up an unbiased account of those times and search for EOKA B and Enosis (try Wikipedia). You may then understand the Turkish reaction in 1974 and since.

ilker avni

12/9/2012 11:49:30 PM

@ Nikos T The reason why the south is more devoloped then the North is because of the handouts the south has recived over the last forty years ie from briton,two hundred million a year for the British bases which the greeks keep for themselves when they soposed to share with the North. Cyprus thanks to the Greeks has become like Sudan a north and south dived.GC will be in austerity for years thanks to following they brothers in Greece has cost the GC,s they have only them selfs to blame.

Ummah Muslim

12/9/2012 9:10:44 PM

Haha , this is a very nice reaction of Turkey. The Europeans don't even want the greeks. They hate greeks because of the mess they made in their country.

Chris Tahos

12/9/2012 7:07:40 PM

@ john albay. Obviously the ones who are willing to give their money, do care.Regarding 1960's Cyprus incidents, I am sorry but there is nothing I can do, to go back in that era and repair the mistakes and the damage.I can just hope for a better future where Turkcypriots and Greekcypriots live together without hatred and enmity.Unless you embrace Hamas' perception about the value of life,you can agree with me.

mike alexander

12/9/2012 6:55:03 PM

The only response to this offer is LOL !!!!!

ilker avni

12/9/2012 6:36:25 PM

Greek Archbishop called Cypriot turks scounrgers only a few weeks ago,in the Daily.The real problem with GC is their tourist industry has been effected by Turkeys embargo on them useing any turkish port,same with its airspace,the Turks have allways been humble,they have suffered the most over the last forty years,now they know or will get to know what real hardship is like,they have only themselfs to blame,my pity is to the poor,Turkey should HELP the POOR it their duty.

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