Turkey and Greece should lead the Cyprus process: FM Davutoğlu

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

Davutoğlu said Turkey is closely monitoring the situation on the divided island after the election of Nicos Anastasiades. AA photo

Turkey and Greece should lead the peace process regarding the Cyprus conflict to transform the East Mediterranean into a “basin of peace,” Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said today.

Underlining the improving ties between Ankara and Athens, the foreign minister said Turkey is closely monitoring the situation on the divided island after the election of Nicos Anastasiades. The Greek Cypriot president had supported the failed “yes” vote for a U.N. reunification blueprint in 2004, known as the “Annan Plan.”

Davutoğlu said this is a psychological advantage for a possible solution. “If Turkey and Greece, as two guarantor countries that insured the establishment of the State of Cyprus, pave the way for a solution, the East Mediterranean will be transformed into a basin of peace,” he said, adding that Ankara will assess the situation according to Anastasiades’ moves.

Davutoğlu’s comments come as Turkey and Greece are set to further develop their economic ties, with both sides pleased with the state of their existing relationship. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras was on a one-day official visit to Turkey, during which he met Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Abdullah Gül, before attending a business forum.