The Cypriot government on Thursday welcomed the European Parliament's postponement of a vote to ratify Turkey's customs union with the European Union.

Government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides told reporters that it is a clear political message to Turkey that Turkey has to comply with EU wishes and not the other way round.

"Turkey must embrace the values on which the EU is based in order to move toward the European Union," he stressed.

In July, Turkey signed an agreement with the EU to extend its customs union to Cyprus and nine other new EU members, but said this did not amount to recognition of the Cypriot government.

Frustrated over Turkey's refusal to recognize Cyprus, the European Parliament postponed a vote on Wednesday to ratify Ankara 's customs union with the EU, a requirement for membership in the 25-member bloc.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops took control of the northern third following an abortive coup seeking union with Greece.

Source: Xinhua