Greek Cypriot Administration Mulls Applying For Observer Status With O.I.C.

NICOSIA (CIHAN) - The Greek Cypriot Administration considers applying to the Organization of the Islamic Conferences (OIC) to attain observer status.
The Greek Cypriot Administration decided to enter close dialogue with the OIC for economic and political reason.
The acknowledgement of the Turkish Cypriot part of the island as a "Turkish Cypriot State" at the OIC forced the Greek Cypriots to adopt a more affective diplomatic offensive.
The Greek Cypriot side wants to improve its dialogue with the OIC to dissuade OIC members from taking more steps that recognize Turkish Cyprus.
The Organization of the Islamic Conferences (OIC) is an inter-governmental organization grouping of fifty-six States that want to pool their resources together, combine their efforts and speak with one voice to safeguard the interest and ensure the progress and well-being of their peoples and those of other Muslims throughout the world.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus maintained observer status in the OIC.
Cyprus has been divided along ethnic lines since 1974 when Turkey took control of the northern part of the island in response to coup in the Greek government which threatened to attempt to unite the island with Greece.
The internationally recognized Greek Cypriot side entered the EU on May 1 while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, only recognized by Turkey, was left outside despite its recent support for a UN sponsored peace plan that would have united the island.