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.