A heated exchange unfolded at the Economist conference between Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou and former Turkish politician and former diplomat Ahmet Davutoglu, with the Cyprus issue taking center stage.

During a panel discussion on European Union enlargement, Davutoglu argued that responsibility for the Cyprus dispute lies with the Greek Cypriot side, citing its rejection of the Annan Plan. He also maintained that the European Union should not have admitted Cyprus as a member while the issue remained unresolved.

Responding, Chatzivasileiou said the fundamental reality is that Cyprus remains under occupation and insisted that the EU’s decision to admit the country was entirely justified. He reiterated Greece’s support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation as the appropriate framework for a settlement.

Davutoglu then asserted that Turkey’s presence in Cyprus is justified, prompting Chatzivasileiou to interrupt and repeatedly declare—three or four times, according to those present—that “Cyprus was subjected to an illegal invasion.” His remarks drew sustained applause from the audience.