Spokesman of Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry Tanju Bilgiç said “the subjects especially concerning the Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa vessel stated by Greek Prime Minister Aleksis Çipras during his visit to South Cyprus do not contain the factors which will help to achieve a solution based on political equality of two peoples in the island”.

Bilgiç stated that Turkey wishes recommencement of the negotiation process in Cyprus and a solution based on political equality of two peoples to be found in the island as soon as possible and said “Turkish Cypriots’ benefiting exactly from the natural resources in the island is a priority for us. Hence, Turkey will always continue to support Turkish Cypriots”.