Observe Greek Presidency of Cyprus: the head of the EU

The President of the European Council (EC) has called on Turkey to respect the EU presidency, even after Greek Cyprus holds the rotating presidency of the organization in July.

"With regard to Turkey, I remember the strong support that the European Council in December 2011 already provided to the Greek Cypriot president to come," President of the EC, Herman Van Rompuy said after meeting with Cypriot President Greek Demetris Christofias on May 28, according to Cyprus news agency. The Presidency "is a fundamental characteristic of our Union, based on the EU treaty, and must be fully respected by all," said Rompuy.

"The EU continues to attach utmost importance to further negotiations, and urges both parties to spare no effort to pave the way for a comprehensive settlement," Rompuy said, adding that the status quo "is in nobody's interest. "

The ultimate goal, he added, is to have the island gathered in the European Union. Christofias said he is ready to "continue the dialogue, even during the Greek presidency of Cyprus to the EU Council." Rompuy also told deputies that the Greek Cypriot sharing of natural resources could open the way to peace, cooperation as coal and steel between the old rivals France and Germany led the EU, the Associated Press reported .