LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Minister Turgay Avci said on Wednesday that France, next country to take over of the rotating EU presidency, should revise its stance regarding the planned joint military exercise with Greek Cypriot administration.
"Such a military exercise is unacceptable as a sign of goodwill at a time France set to take over EU presidency and talks resumed in Cyprus," Avci told the A.A in an exclusive interview.
France, Greece and Greek Cypriot administration agreed to perform a joint military exercise "Argonaftis" from June 2nd to 6th in Greek Cypriot administration and international waters.
"France should analyse (its decision) once again," Avci said. "They have already been imposing unfair isolation on Turkish Cypriots. There are unfulfilled pledges. Such one-sided approaches providing advantage to Greek Cypriots, reinforcing and pampering them, are not proper attitudes."
Avci also said that last week`s meeting between the leaders of Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides was favorable. However, he said Turkish Cypriots would not accept a timetable with an unlimited period to elongate the process.
"We are in favor of a comprehensive, fair and equal solution in the shortest time. Talks can not be unlimited or indefinite," Avci said.
(TÇ-AÖ)