BRUSSELS
Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akinci on Wednesday called for Europe’s support in reuniting the divided island.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Brussels with European Parliament President Martin Schulz, he said: "We want a solution for our people we don’t want the continuation of [the] status quo… we are approaching the final destination and I am convinced that the European Parliament will be supportive.”
Akinci added: "We have been outside international law for many, many years. We want our community to be part of the European family.”
Akinci and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades resumed negotiations in May, shortly after Akinci’s election.
The talks stalled in October last year in a row over mineral exploration off the island.
"It is in the highest interest of the EU that talks are successful,” Schulz told reporters. “We will do whatever is responsible to contribute to success. We are hopeful this is our window of opportunity.”
