Press Releases

The Cyprus Government expresses its satisfaction with the approval, by the Plenary of the European Parliament, of the Progress Report on Turkey, as well as the adoption of the amendment to the report tabled by Cypriot European Parliament members, which includes a paragraph condemning Turkish violations and attacks on peacekeepers in the Pyla area.

We attach particular importance to the reference, by the European Parliament, in paragraph 33, which calls for more active involvement of the EU in efforts to break the impass. This is an approach which constitutes a basic and core element of the initiative undertaken by the President of the Republic and which can play a decisive role in the efforts to restart negotiations.

It is noted that the report reaffirms the European Parliament’s support to the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.  It calls for the resumption of negotiations from the point they left off in Crans Montana and advises against actions and provocations that lead to the opposite result, expressing regret over Turkey’s promotion of a two-state solution.  Furthermore, it condemns actions that promote the separatist regime and calls for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and for the respect for UN Security Council resolutions.  It also denounces Turkey’s continued violations of UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789, urging Turkey to reverse its illegal and unilateral actions in Varosha.

It further calls for respect of the buffer zone’s status and of the mission of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, while it notes that similar attacks constitute a crime under international law and calls on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to reverse similar unilateral actions and refrain form actions and provocations that hinder the resumption of negotiations.

The resolution further underlines the need for cooperation in establishing the fate of missing persons, protecting cultural heritage and safeguarding the educational rights of the enclaved. 

The President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, calls on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to respond positively to the call by the European Parliament for breaking the deadlock and for the resumption of talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Turkey’s european course cannot be limited to verbal declarations.  If, indeed, the will to follow this course is sincere, Turkey should put into practice what it proclaims, respect european values and principles and the resolutions and decisions of the EU and its institutions.

The vision of the European Union and the principles on which it is based cannot accommodate divided homelands.  The occupation of Cyprus is an open wound in the heart of Europe, it is a european problem that requires european solutions.    

(EF/SCH)