Limassol match a chance for Greek Cyprus to prove statehood: Turkish minister

ISTANBUL

DHA Photo

Turkish EU Minister Egemen Bağış has addressed the Greek Cypriot government over the upcoming Fenerbahçe-AEL Limassol football match on the island, saying the match was a chance for Greek Cyprus to prove it is a state, Anatolia news agency has reported.
 
“This match is a chance for Greeks to prove whether [they] are a state or not. Their mistakes in the past have revealed that they are not even a tribe,” Bağış said. “They now have a chance at hand. Ensuring the Fenerbahçe players and fans travel safely for the match will show whether [Greek Cypriots] can provide security in their own country.”

“Greek Cypriots know that we will carry any little problem to international organizations,” he added.

A reported ban on the national flags of Turkey and Turkish Cyprus at the Oct. 25 Europa League clash between AEL Limassol and the Yellow Canaries in Greek Cyprus has recently created a row within the Istanbul football giant, Fenerbahçe.