AKEL on Turkey’s Progress Report and Enlargement Strategy Paper

Statement of Andros Kyprianou, General Secretary of AKEL

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 11th November 2015, Nicosia

 

Having studied the European Commission’s Progress Report and Strategy Paper on Turkey, we note that the references concerning Turkey’s relations with the Republic of Cyprus do not differ substantially from last year’s Report.

We point out as positive the references for the respect of the sovereign rights of all EU member states, including the conclusion of bilateral agreements, of the exploration and exploitation of their natural resources on the basis of the acquis communautaire and International Law. We especially point out the reference to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The reiteration of the reference to the respect for Member States’ sovereignty over their territorial waters and air space is particularly positive. Equally important is the point highlighted by the European Commission regarding the lack of progress in Ankara’s obligations towards Cyprus, including the normalization of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus and the implementation of the Additional Protocol. Of course, we do not hesitate to say that the European Commission could be stricter by urgently demanding the immediate implementation of Ankara’s obligations.

Clearly we do not share the position presenting Turkey as having a continuous commitment and contribution to the negotiations on Cyprus. However, we agree that Turkey’s practical commitment and contribution in the comprehensive negotiations is of crucial importance.

Unfortunately, the Report in essence proposes the opening of chapters in the EU-Turkey accession negotiations, something which is not at all in line with the criticism exerted on Turkey. On the contrary, this implies expediencies and considerations that are aiming at securing Ankara’s cooperation on the issue of the refugees in return for rewards. The message AKEL sends in every direction and which we expect the government will also share to the very end is that the opening of chapters depends on Turkey itself. If Turkey wants to remove the obstacles to its accession process, it must fulfill its obligations related to Cyprus and to help by deeds towards the solution of the Cyprus problem. If it fulfills these obligations, then the obstacles will be removed.