Cyprus-Forum.com

[Gabira]

Putin slam Europe’s ‘double standards’ over Kosovo and Cyprus

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin yesterday drew parallels between Kosovo and the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in northern Cyprus, in a move set to raise eyebrows in Nicosia.

Putin accused Europe of double standards over its decision to support the independence of the Serbian province of Kosovo, warning that recognizing its independence would set a dangerous precedent.

“I don’t want to say anything that would offend anyone, but for 40 years northern Cyprus has practically had independence,” Putin said. “Why aren’t you recognizing that? Aren’t you ashamed, Europeans, for having double standards?”

Speaking during his annual televised news conference, Putin said his country was in favour of the fundamental principles of international law, which are the basis for states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“On that respect we have the same approach on the Cyprus problem and the problem of Kosovo,” the Russian president said.

He said the international community should be guided by the resolution that Serbia should have territorial integrity.

“The same goes for Cyprus. It must be a unified state and we support this state of affairs,” he said.

This was the latest reference to Cyprus made by a Russian official.

Several days ago, Sergei Ivanov, Russia’s first deputy prime minister, said the situation in Kosovo would cause a domino reaction in the whole region.

“Let’s be logical about this: If NATO and the EU countries recognize Kosovo’s independence, they will have to recognize north Cyprus,” Ivanov said.

Cyprus, which opposes the independence of Kosovo – expected to be declared within days – said it does not fear that a unilateral declaration of independence could set a precedent.

“Our position is based on principles,” Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Markoullis said.

Cyprus has repeatedly said it would “never recognize” any unilateral declaration that was outside a UN framework.

“This position has been accepted by our EU partners. There are other countries which will not recognize the unilateral declaration of independence,” Markoullis said.

But the repeated references could dent the traditionally good relations between Russia and Cyprus.

The current administration has pinned its hopes on Russia and China – both permanent members -- for support in the UN Security-council. It has also said it had succeeded in involving the permanent members in consultations regarding the Cyprus problem.

Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2008

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=37588&cat_id=1

[DT.]

Putin slam Europe’s ‘double standards’ over Kosovo and Cyprus

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin yesterday drew parallels between Kosovo and the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in northern Cyprus, in a move set to raise eyebrows in Nicosia.

Putin accused Europe of double standards over its decision to support the independence of the Serbian province of Kosovo, warning that recognizing its independence would set a dangerous precedent.

“I don’t want to say anything that would offend anyone, but for 40 years northern Cyprus has practically had independence,” Putin said. “Why aren’t you recognizing that? Aren’t you ashamed, Europeans, for having double standards?”

Speaking during his annual televised news conference, Putin said his country was in favour of the fundamental principles of international law, which are the basis for states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“On that respect we have the same approach on the Cyprus problem and the problem of Kosovo,” the Russian president said.

He said the international community should be guided by the resolution that Serbia should have territorial integrity.

“The same goes for Cyprus. It must be a unified state and we support this state of affairs,” he said.
This was the latest reference to Cyprus made by a Russian official.

Several days ago, Sergei Ivanov, Russia’s first deputy prime minister, said the situation in Kosovo would cause a domino reaction in the whole region.

“Let’s be logical about this: If NATO and the EU countries recognize Kosovo’s independence, they will have to recognize north Cyprus,” Ivanov said.

Cyprus, which opposes the independence of Kosovo – expected to be declared within days – said it does not fear that a unilateral declaration of independence could set a precedent.

“Our position is based on principles,” Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Markoullis said.

Cyprus has repeatedly said it would “never recognize” any unilateral declaration that was outside a UN framework.

“This position has been accepted by our EU partners. There are other countries which will not recognize the unilateral declaration of independence,” Markoullis said.

But the repeated references could dent the traditionally good relations between Russia and Cyprus.

The current administration has pinned its hopes on Russia and China – both permanent members -- for support in the UN Security-council. It has also said it had succeeded in involving the permanent members in consultations regarding the Cyprus problem.

Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2008

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=37588&cat_id=1

[purdey]

Putin,and double standards...the man is riddled with them and so are his cronies in the Kremlin.

[Gabira]

“Let’s be logical about this: If NATO and the EU countries recognize Kosovo’s independence, they will have to recognize north Cyprus,” Ivanov said.

[miltiades]

“Let’s be logical about this: If NATO and the EU countries recognize Kosovo’s independence, they will have to recognize north Cyprus,” Ivanov said.

Another bloody foreign rug thrown at us !!

[umit07]

Just out of interest is this Markouli a shemale?

[paaul12]

U can always tell when it is good news 4 the TRNC, u guys get so pissed off,

now all of a suden u lot hate Russia, i wonder why?

[miltiades]

And another bloody foreign rug !!!

[Oracle]

The only reason Putin mentioned double standards ....... is because undeniably the "TRNC" cannot be recognised by all logic and reason, and this is what he and the world accept ... so why recognise Kosovo by the same logic?

You lot are so desperate you are doing your usual word-twisting tactics.

But the reality is ...... Putin acknowledges the "TRNC" should never be recognised and equally Kosovo.

End of story.

[shahmaran]

What bullshit you speak Phoenix, by double standards he means that, you cannot agree that Kosovo should be independent while ignoring the TRNC. Because the TRNC has been isolated unjustly for over 30 years and they are willing to let Kosovo off.

THATS what a double standard is, not the version you like to twist and shape so that it fits your bigoted views.