Carter Admits Error on Cyprus Issue

Former President Jimmy Carter said last week that he was foolish to have suggested nine years ago that the dispute over Cyprus, which is divided between Turkish and Greek communities, be settled in favor of the Greeks.

Carter told a news conference that he was under pressure during his election campaign at the time.

“I was very foolish to say that,” he said. “One of the obstacles I had to face in coming into office to resolve the Cyprus question was the then existing arms embargo against Turkey.”

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in 1974 after a Greek-backed coup toppled President Markarios. The island has since been split into northern Turkish and southern Greek sectors.

Carter arrived in Turkey on Wednesday from Greece. He met with Turkish Premier Turgut Ozal and President Kenan Evren.