The Maltese presidency should take initiatives to support the solution of the Cyprus problem
Statements by Neoklis Sylikiotis, AKEL Political Bureau member, AKEL MEP and GUE/NGL Vice-President
18TH January 2017
“We expect the Maltese presidency, in view of the developments surrounding the Cyprus problem, to undertake initiatives so that the EU puts pressure on Turkey to respect the human rights of all Cypriots, to lift the occupation, withdraw its occupying troops from Cyprus and to demonstrate a constructive attitude for a solution of the Cyprus problem based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, for a Cyprus without guarantees, armies and barbed wires of division. I would like to thank Commission President Juncker for his presence and contribution at the Geneva Conference”, stressed the MEP of AKEL, N. Sylikiotis, before the plenary of the European Parliament in the presence of the Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat and the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. The subject of the plenary discussion was the presentation of the EU Council Maltese Presidency’s activities.
Speaking as Vice-President on behalf of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left Confederal Group, Neoklis Sylikiotis stressed that the Maltese Presidency will have to manage the deep economic crisis that is tormenting the peoples. However, as he explained, for it to succeed the insistence on continuing of the disastrous neoliberal policies, supporting the EU Stability Pact and the deepening of the EU’s economic and fiscal union must stop. Instead, he added, measures that will boost the real economy and strengthen social cohesion must be promoted.
AKEL MEP Neoklis Sylikiotis welcomed the objectives set by the Maltese presidency for the creation of new jobs, sustainable development and support of SME’s. However, as he pointed out, these targets were again set in the past without any tangible results as these targets are being promoted within the framework of the neoliberal austerity policies that perpetuate the crisis and recession, inflate public debt, increase unemployment, widen inequalities and drive people into poverty.
Particular reference was made by N.Sylikiotis to the issue of refugees. As he noted the goals set by the Maltese presidency for creating a common asylum system, the revision of the Dublin Regulation and a fair distribution of burdens are positive. However, as he underlined, this is not enough. He consequently stressed that Dublin must be abolished completely and a refugee policy developed based on humanism and solidarity. Any attempt to create a fortress Europe within the framework of the unacceptable agreement with Turkey must also be terminated. The AKEL MEP also stressed that legal and safe routes and a permanent and fair refugee resettlement system must be created. Otherwise, he said, refugees will continue to drown in the Mediterranean Sea with the dual responsibility of the EU.
In conclusion, N. Sylikiotis stated that equally important, within the context of the neighborhood policy, which is set as a priority, is to stop any support of and participation in foreign interventions and to promote initiatives so that the EU becomes a pillar of peace. He made particular reference to the need for pressure to be exerted on Israel to end the ongoing colonization, to lift the occupation and commit itself to a roadmap for peace and for a two-state solution.
