The European Commission’s reaction to Turkey’s very serious provocations against the Republic of Cyprus has been lethargic and sluggish
Statement by Stavri Kalopsidiotou, Member of the C.C. of AKEL and the Cyprus problem Office of AKEL
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 11th October 2014, Nicosia
Having studied Turkey’s Progress Report and the Strategy Paper of the European Commission, we note the following:
The European Commission’s reaction to Turkey’s very serious provocations against the Republic of Cyprus has been lethargic and sluggish. Unfortunately there is no unequivocal condemnation of Turkey’s unlawful binding of a significant part of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which stretches along the southern coastline of Republic of Cyprus.
The only new elements that were added in both documents, in relation to Turkey’s aggressive action, is the reference to “engaged in actions” and the advice given to avoid “provocative actions”. We underline that the repetition of last year’s and earlier references to the respect of all Member States’ rights of sovereignty, including the drawing up and conclusion of bilateral agreements, the exploration and exploitation of their natural resources on the basis of the European acquis communautaire and International Law, and in particular the reference to the UN Convention on the law of the Sea, as well as this year’s reference to Member States’ respect for sovereignty to their waters, are positive. However, at the same time the withdrawal of Turkey’s provocative statements and actions should at least have been called for – something that is not done.
In the same way, we evaluate that the welcoming of “Turkey’s support of the resumption of direct negotiations” on the Cyprus problem, should have been a call addressed in the direction of Turkey giving real support and avoiding provocations. Besides, Turkey’s actions at the time these were made – on the eve of the beginning of the substantive phase of the talks — anything but represents practical support of the talks. Therefore, neither the call addressed to Turkey not to make statements undermining the climate of talks on the Cyprus problem, is an adequate response from the European Commission.
The Commission’s unwillingness to address Turkey with due severity because of its recent actions is also evident in the repeated references to the “important role” Turkey plays more widely in the region.
At the same time, we assess that the Commission’s appeals for the opening of negotiating chapters 23 and 24 is a major contradiction in the criticism exerted on Turkey regarding reforms in the fields of Justice and fundamental rights.
Moreover, it really is a wonder how they do not comprehend that after such a blatant and flagrant violation of our sovereign rights, the Republic of Cyprus cannot consent to the opening of any chapters.
