AKEL expresses its serious concerns about the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) decision on Kosovo

 

18 April 2024, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to invite Kosovo to become a member of the Council of Europe raises serious concerns about the dangers and the precedent it sets in relation to illegal secessionist entities. Those forces who have voted for the resolution in question should consider their responsibilities as to the dangers of encouraging separatist movements both in Europe and around the world. We recall that the entity of Kosovo emerged after the NATO invasion of Yugoslavia in 1999 in violation of international law and the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states.

The Republic of Cyprus, itself a victim of the violation of its own sovereignty and territorial integrity by the occupying power Turkey and the illegal pseudo-state, has even more reasons to be a fully consistent defender of international law.

The argument that each case is separate is a fallacy, given that despite the differences in each case it is undeniable that the principle of territorial integrity, which is a fundamental principle of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, is being flagrantly violated. In addition, we note that this decision will act as a disincentive for Pristina to comply with its obligations and to adopt a positive attitude in the dialogue with Serbia. This development will only trigger more tensions in the troubled Balkan region.

For all these reasons, AKEL, through its Parliamentary Representative, Giorgos Loukaides, who is a member of the PACE, voted against the relevant report submitted by Dora Mbakoyanni of the European People’s Party (EPP).

18.04.2024