Davutoglu makes speech at Paasikivi Society in Helsinki

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu yesterday held a conference titled "Turkey's current role in peace building in the context of recent developments, and its reflections in Europe" at the Paasikivi Society in Helsinki. On the sidelines of the conference, Davutoglu replied to a question from Greek Cypriot Ambassador to Finland Filippos Kritiotis concerning Turkey's approach towards the Cyprus issue. Reiterating that Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan plan on which a referendum was held on April 24, 2004, Davutoglu said that that Greek Cypriots became a member of the EU on May 1, 2004. "Despite all commitments by the EU and 'no' vote by Greek Cypriots, they joined the EU. They continue to isolate Turkish Cypriots," Davutoglu said, adding, "Greek Cypriots prevent Turkey's EU membership. They think that Turkey would be weaker and beg for membership. We will be never begging. If there is integration, it must be fair." Davutoglu also said that if the Greek Cypriot administration had approved the Annan plan, there would have been a united Cyprus and there would have been a full economic integration between Turkey and Cyprus and also Greek Cypriot economy would not have faced bankruptcy.