Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said In Nicosia Friday said Cyprus supports Turkey's bid for joining the European Union but Turkey should accept and comply with its obligations.

While speaking at a dinner in honor of visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Papadopoulos said that the obligations include recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, withdrawal of occupational troops and settlers, and halt of hostile actions against Cyprus.

Referring to the December 17 meeting of the European Council that will make a decision as to whether the EU should set a date to start accession negotiations with Turkey, Papadopoulos said that his government in principle is in favor of EU membership for Turkey.

The president added that "we are convinced that a truly European Turkey will be a factor of stability in our region and a secure link between Europe and the Middle East."

He said that Cyprus supports the start of accession negotiations with Turkey. However, "we are entitled to demand of Turkey to show both in word and deed by December 17 and also after that date that it realizes and accepts that the European Union consists of 25 members and that the positive vote of every one of these 25 states is required at each stage of the process."

Cyprus has been divided into Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north since 1974, when Turkey sent troops to take control of the northern third of the island, following a Greek Cyprus coup seeking union with Greece.

While the Greek Cyprus is recognized by the international community, the Turkish Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.

After the European Commission recommended a start of membership negotiations with Turkey earlier last month, Cyprus gave a lukewarm response, stressing that more emphasis should be put on linking Ankara's membership to reuniting the island and refusing to rule out its right to veto.

The Greek Cypriots, who joined the EU on May 1, like the other 24 EU members, have a veto when the Union decides whether to startformal accession talks with Turkey at a summit on Dec. 17.

Source: Xinhua