Turkey Refuses to Pay Out Cyprus

The funds are directed in relation to Turkey's 1974 invasion of the island. The only country is the world that has recognized the illegal takeover is Turkey, who is vying to become a EU state. Yet the nation does not formally recognize the southern territory of Cyprus, who is a EU member.

The Foreign Minister stated to the press, "In terms of the grounds of this ruling, its method and the fact that it is considering a country that Turkey does not recognize as a counter party, we see no necessity to make this payment". He added,"Yesterday's ECHR ruling consists of some legal contradictions and therefore we don't see it as at all binding, in terms of payment".

The case was brought to the ECHR twenty years ago by Cyprus, who asked for a monetary settlement, regarding Greek Cypriots that went missing during the encroachment. In 2001, the European Court sided with Nicosia, yet didn't decide on the monetary amount until recently.

Of Turkey's annexation to the EU, Davutoglu commented, "We think that this ruling has been the biggest blow to this process. If a comprehensive solution is desired, then everyone should be aware of their responsibilities. When looked at the history of this problem, the timing of this case is meaningful".

The Cypriot divide has been plagued by verbal and political gridlock for years. New peace discussions began again in February, while U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to travel to Cyprus in two weeks, to stimulate a solution.