US: We don’t recognize the Turkish occupation in Cyprus (VIDEO)




US State Department Spokesman Mark Toner stated that the US does not recognize the Turkish invasion of Cyprus during a press briefing.

The issue was raised when journalist Michail Ignatiou asked Mr. Toner to comment on a reception of the US Embassy in Cyprus which was held in the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus and attended by Turkish soldiers in uniform.

Mr. Toner said that “You know our position hasn’t changed on Cyprus,”, while asked in whether US recognizes Turkish occupation, he replied no.

Watch the briefing video:

http://mignatiou.com/2015/11/den-anagnorizoume-tin-katochi-anagkastike-na-dilosi-to-steit-ntipartment/

MR TONER: Please, Michael.

QUESTION: I had a question on Greece and also Cyprus, if I may, Mark. On Greece, a former minister responsible for the police says that members of the Syriza party in the Government of Greece maintain ties to convicted terrorists. Since – I wanted to know if you have any comment, since you warn the government of Syriza many times on their “ties,” quote-unquote the word, with terrorists.

MR TONER: Sorry, one more time, the top of the question. I apologize. I just didn’t hear the —

QUESTION: The former minister in Greece, he was responsible for the police till two months ago. He said that members of the ruling party Syriza in the Greek Government have ties with terrorists. If you don’t have an answer, can you take this question? Because —

MR TONER: I would, Michael, because I’m not aware of those comments. I’d hate to speak to them out of context.

QUESTION: I’m sorry. Please take the question, since —

MR TONER: Yeah. Please. No, thanks. We will; we’ll take it.

QUESTION: — many times you talk about this topic.

MR TONER: Yeah.

QUESTION: As far as on Cyprus, your colleague said – EUR send me the comment on the dealings between your ambassador in Nicosia and the military leaders of the Turkish occupied forces. I wanted to ask you, Mark, if you change your policy and you recognize the occupation of Cyprus?

MR TONER: If we recognize the occupation of —

QUESTION: The occupation.

MR TONER: You know our position hasn’t changed on Cyprus. We support a process that leads to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

QUESTION: So you don’t recognize the occupation? You don’t recognize occupation?

MR TONER: No.

QUESTION: So what is the reason that your people in Cyprus meet with these generals and with these military people that they have patrons in Turkey, that they are Turkish citizens? You have good relations with Turkey. Why you don’t talk with Turkey directly? What is the reason to have ties and dealings with military people in occupied Cyprus?

MR TONER: I think I’m aware of – you’re talking about a specific event —

QUESTION: Yes.

MR TONER: — I think, where some members of the Turkish delegation showed up in uniform —

QUESTION: Yes.

MR TONER: — and that’s something we wouldn’t condone or – and normally isn’t the case. So it was something that —

QUESTION: So it was a mistake?

MR TONER: Again, you’ll have to ask the Turkish military who decided to show up and wearing —

QUESTION: But who invited them? Your ambassador invited them?

MR TONER: Well, but I think we normally do. I mean, I think we do. But anyway, my understanding is that it was a mistake, but I would refer you to the Turkish authorities on that.

QUESTION: Just staying on Cyprus for a moment.

MR TONER: Yes, sir.

QUESTION: The British foreign minister this morning said that he – and he suggested Mr. Kerry would be visiting Cyprus soon and that we’re at the best point in 40 years to be hoping for a solution to the dispute that we’ve just been alluding to. Is there anything there you’d like to add from the United States point of view at this stage?

MR TONER: Look, I know the Secretary had to postpone his trip to Cyprus next week, but he certainly does intend to visit in the near future. He did obviously meet with Foreign Secretary Hammond yesterday. They did discuss Cyprus. We continue to be optimistic that we can reach a resolution.

QUESTION: But is there a specific thing that they want – that this trip is meant to coincide with, or is it just like a stage in this process? Foreign Secretary Hammond seemed to be implying it’s – we’re coming to what could be a positive, decisive moment.

MR TONER: A pivotal point. I’d have to —

QUESTION: He said it was tantalizingly close.

MR TONER: I can actually ask about that. I don’t know. I don’t know where we are, but I mean, we obviously – if it is, then we’ll pursue it.

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