NICOSIA — Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, who wants recognition for the occupied northern third of the island – not reunification – complained the European Union is taking sides with the legitimate Greek-Cypriot government – a member of the EU.

"We regret to see that the EU has shifted away and acted against its basic principles on its perspective on the Cyprus issue," said Tatar in a message, reported Turkey's pro-government newspaper The Daily Sabah.

He said that, "The bias of the EU on Cyprus is alarming and harms the efforts for a solution,” which he said should be only two separate states as preferred by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who Tatar said he will follow.

Tatar went on to say that the Greek-Cypriot administration is using its EU membership as a "threat" and "blackmailing" tactic, referring to Turkey's failed 16-year-long – and counting – effort to become a member of the bloc.

His comments came after another failed meeting, in April, to try to resolve the dilemma over Cyprus, which was split after an unlawful 1974 Turkish invasion, long lines of diplomats and envoys unable to find a solution so far.

Tatar didn't mention the Turkish side barred any representative from the EU taking part in the talks and that Turkey doesn't recognize the legitimate government and bars its ships and planes and won't consider reunification