If Turkey chooses not to cooperate with EU under Cyprus’ presidency, it will harm its membership prospects, told Cyprus FM Erato Kozakou-Markoullis at a press conference with her Armenian colleague, Edvard Nalbandyan, held in Yerevan.

Commenting on warning statements in Turkish side about freezing contacts with EU if Cyprus’ presidency is appointed, she called attention to Turkish occupation of Cyprus and illegalities which are part of parcel of that occupation.

“Turkey received a very firm and a very clear response on the part of the European Union, at the European Council level. The threats of Turkey were condemned by the foreign ministers of the EU. If Turkey chooses not to cooperate, they are harming their prospects for membership in the European Union. This is definitely not a behavior of a candidate country, and definitely there will be consequences,” she told.

She added that there have been over 150 meetings between the leaders of two communities of the divided island, but unfortunately no progress has been recorded on key issues, such as property and the issue of territory.

“Turkey refuses to cooperate through Turkish Cypriot community. They threatened that if there is no agreement by the first of July, the one possibility is the annexation of the occupied area to Turkey,” she reminded, adding that prospects of reunification are thereby diminishing.

“The entire leadership of Cyprus is determined to continue our efforts,” Kozakou-Markoullis said, greatly appreciating the assistance of Armenia.