Erdogan: Fair solution in Cyprus will benefit everyone

A permanent and just solution in Cyprus will benefit islanders and the international community as a whole, especially Europe, the Anadolu Agency reported Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying yesterday.

“Greek Cypriots should no longer make things difficult. Instead, they need to put in a sincere effort. If this happens, we believe 2015 will be the year for a solution for Cyprus,” Erdogan during a joint press conference with his newly-elected Turkish-Cypriot counterpart Mustafa Akinci.

Erdogan said that to resolve the “Cyprus issue, Greece should make the necessary contribution for solution and join efforts with Turkey. We will continue to encourage Greece in this regard.”

The Turkish president reiterated his country’s support for settlement talks.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Mustafa Akinci said the parties on the island are “on the verge of a solution”.

“The positive attitude of the international community is an extra support for us,” Akinci said.