Greek PM criticizes Turkey on Cyprus

NICOSIA, Cyprus, April 23 (UPI) -- Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, in a speech Thursday to the Cypriot Parliament, accused Turkey of delaying a resolution of the division of Cyprus.

Karamanlis said the goal of a single independent Cyprus is the "foundation stone" of Greek policy on the issue, the ANA-MPA news agency said.

"Unfortunately, in spite of its rhetorical support for the negotiating process up until now, Turkish policy on Cyprus remains confused, divisive and threatening," Karamanlis said.

Cyprus, which became independent of Britain in 1960, has been divided since 1974, with Turkey occupying the northern third of the island. No other country recognizes Turkish Cyprus.

At a news conference Wednesday with Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias, Karamanlis said Greece continues to back Turkey's bid to join the European Union, Kathimerini said. He said he expects the desire for EU membership to be an incentive for the Turkish government to achieve a resolution on Cyprus.