International leaders continue to condemn Turkish moves in Cyprus

BRUSSELS — The European Union has threatened Turkey with tough action in response to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s policies towards Cyprus in a declaration adopted by member states. EU Foreign Minister Joseph Burrell noted the determination of European leaders to use all the tools and options available to them if Turkey takes unilateral steps contrary to international law.

Burrell stated that EU foreign ministers will begin taking steps at their next meeting if Ankara does not back down from its unilateral actions in Cyprus which are contrary to U.N. Security Council Resolutions on Cyprus.

He also called on the European Union to immediately cancel all measures taken in Varosha since last October, stressing its commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid had declared his solidarity with Cyprus, saying that, “we share deep concern about the provocative moves led by Turkey in Cyprus.”

Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council condemned the intention of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders to reopen the abandoned resort of Varosha and called for an immediate retraction of the move.

Also Read: UN Security Council condemns President Erdogan’s Cyprus statement and Turkey’s unilateral actions