The Conclusions of the European Council on Turkey

Statement by Aristos Damianou, Head of Legal Affairs Department of the C.C. of AKEL, AKEL M.P and member of the C.C.

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 25th October 2014, Nicosia

The Conclusions of the European Council with regards Turkey contain references that must be utilised, despite the fact that an unequivocal condemnation of Turkey’s illegal actions is absent.

Among the positive aspects we note the call on Turkey to show self-restraint and respect of the sovereign rights of Cyprus in its Exclusive Economic Zone, as well as the obligation to recognise all the member-states as a precondition for Turkey’s accession.

The reference to “concern about the renewed tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean”, as well as the need “to ensure a positive climate so that negotiations for a comprehensive Cyprus’ settlement can resume” can be considered as politically neutral.

The absence of the demand for defusing the crisis provoked by Turkey itself, which presupposes an immediate end to the violations of the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, is a negative development.

We do not ignore at all the balances that are sought on such issues. Nor do we ignore the possibilities of Turkish foreign policy. However, at the same time when a member-state is in fact facing an invasion, the lack of determination by the EU is a weakness in implementing in practice its much-advertised “solidarity”.

A comprehensive appraisal of the reactions exhibited on a European level, but also bearing in mind the worrying statement made by the UN Secretary-General which essentially puts pressure on our side instead of Turkey, must lead the Government to make a serious reappraisal of its priorities and a reorientation in its foreign policy.

The one-dimensional foreign policy pursued by the government of Anastasiades and the DISY Rally party is on the one hand harming Cyprus’ relations with traditional friends and on the other – judging by the results – is failing to produce what was expected. At the same time, unfortunately, the aspirations of the government and ruling forces about their “allies” and partners are being refuted on a daily basis.