**Turkey Calls on EU Envoy Fitto to Address ‘Partisan Stance’ on Cyprus**
Turkey's Foreign Minister Oncu Keceli has urged Raffaele Fitto, the newly appointed envoy from the European Commission for the Cyprus issue, to work towards changing what he describes as the European Union's "partisan stance" regarding Cyprus. Keceli's comments came during a press briefing on Monday, where he emphasized the need for the EU to recognize that a resolution to the long-standing Cyprus problem can only be achieved through negotiations between two sovereign and equal states.
Keceli stated that Turkey views the appointment of Fitto as an internal EU matter, akin to previous appointments in the context of the Cyprus issue. However, he expressed concern that the EU has lost its impartiality, particularly following the admission of the Greek Cypriot side into the EU despite its rejection of the United Nations' comprehensive settlement plan in 2004. He underscored that this decision has contributed to a perceived bias within EU institutions, especially in the European Parliament.
The foreign minister highlighted recent developments, including a resolution adopted by the European Parliament condemning Turkey for incidents of sexual violence that occurred on the island in 1974. Keceli argued that such actions exemplify the EU's increasingly one-sided approach to the Cyprus issue.
Fitto's appointment is unlikely to result in a significant shift in EU policy toward Cyprus, as he has consistently reiterated the EU's position during his tenure as a member of the college of commissioners. In a statement to the European Parliament last November, Fitto affirmed that the EU recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law and reiterated that the preferred solution for Cyprus remains the reunification of the island.
Despite his alignment with the European Conservatives and Reformists group, which includes members from the far-right party Elam, Fitto has acknowledged the potential for progress in the Turkish Cypriot community, particularly following a change in leadership. He remarked that this shift could present a new opportunity for advancing dialogue and cooperation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
In his role as European cohesion commissioner, which he retains alongside his new position as envoy, Fitto has committed to fostering engagement and collaboration between the two communities on the island. His approach aims to create conditions conducive to future reunification efforts.
As the situation in Cyprus continues to evolve, Keceli's call for a more balanced EU stance reflects ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the path to resolving the Cyprus issue. The international community remains watchful of the developments that may arise from Fitto's engagement in this complex geopolitical landscape.