“Let nobody lay down preconditions to us forcing to turn back on Cyprus and our Cypriot brothers in return for joining EU. Let everyone know that Turkey does not exchange friends for EU membership,” said Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek.

“Yes, Turkey wishes for peace in Island (Cyprus), but a fair one. We will always side with our brothers,” Cicek stated, adding that Turkey intends to continue providing political, economical and other assistance to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Turkish troops were brought into Cyprus in 1974 and occupied 40% of its territory. To date, Turkey is the only state that recognized the self-appointed Republic.