AKEL ON TURKEY´S EU PROGRESS REPORT AND COMMISSION´S STRATEGY DOCUMENT ON TURKEY
Written statement by Stavri Kalopsidiotou, Member of the Bureau on the Cyprus problem of the C.C. of AKEL
The Progress Report and the Commission’s Strategy document for Turkey does not contain any significant differences compared with previous Reports. In the relevant documents there are several positive elements. It is pointed out that it is urgent that Turkey fulfils its obligations for the full implementation of the Additional Protocol and make progress towards the normalization of relations with the Republic of Cyprus. Unfortunately, despite the fact that this urgency has been repeated for years, there is no response whatsoever from Turkey.
The strategy document stresses all the sovereign rights of MemberStates which includes the conclusion of international agreements and the exploration and exploitation of their natural resources in accordance with the EU acquis communautaire and International Law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Having regard to Turkey’s particular views on the Law of the Sea, as well as its threats against the Republic of Cyprus, which is simply exercising its sovereign rights as these stem from International Law, this reference is viewed as particularly positive.
At the same time, we assess that by proposing that the negotiations on the chapters on Justice and Fundamental Rights should proceed constitutes a contradiction and a positive discrimination in favour of Turkey against other candidate countries, when weaknesses are pointed out with regards the promotion of sufficient reform in the areas of Justice and Fundamental Rights.
More specifically with regards the Cyprus problem, the Commission expects the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement, as well as a speedy involvement of both parties on core issues aiming at a successful conclusion. In addition, it considers that the benefits of reunification are of more value that whatever compromises may be required. It is pointed out that all Cypriots will benefit from the exploitation of the hydrocarbons. We understand better than anyone the need to resume the talks aimed at a successful outcome and we know that this can’t be achieved without compromises, always of course in line with International Law and the principles on which the European Union is founded.
The readiness stated by the Commission to further support the process if requested by both parties and the United Nations is a declaration without any real substance since everyone knows that the Turkish Cypriot side persistently refuses to accept this.
The assessment repeated that Turkey continues to express its support for the resumption of negotiations for a just, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, so far is not being confirmed in practice.
Furthermore, we recall that it was the Turkish Cypriot side that left the negotiating table and now, eighteen months later, is trying to disintegrate the long agreed basis for a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship. As a result, a protracted difficulty in the issuing of a joint statement to allow for the immediate resumption of negotiations is being observed.
