Cyprus spokesman calls for patience on Turkey EU dilemma

Cyprus government works hard to turn to advantage the conjuncture of Turkey’s EU accession course, to promote the solution of the Cyprus problem, government spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said. In addition, he recommended patience regarding the comments on the Draft Conclusions of the European Council.

In statements to the Press on Friday, Stephanou said that the Draft Conclusions of the European Council has just been under discussion by the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER). “However, some are hurrying to forejudge the outcome of the procedures, as well as the stance the Republic of Cyprus will keep on the issue”, he added.

Stephanou said that the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus issue, will reach a decision on the Cyprus stance towards the evaluation of Turkey by the EU, collectively on December 4.

“For turning to advantage the conjuncture of Turkey’s accession course, for the promotion of the solution of the Cyprus problem, which is our strategic target, the government is working hard for a long time, updating continuously the European counterparts on the course of the negotiations, and underlining at the same time, the need for Turkey to fulfill its obligations”, he stressed.

Furthermore, Stephanou noted that the European Union is aware of the intentions of the Republic of Cyprus for taking measures against Turkey, in case Ankara does not comply with its EU obligations.

Replying to a question on the stance of the Republic of Cyprus in the framework of COREPER, Stephanou said “We are guided by the position that Turkey’s obligations have to be fully met, that there should be strong messages on behalf of the EU towards Turkey, and that there should be practical measures for Turkey’s compliance”.

This is the position of Cyprus at the discussions and this position will continue to be held within the EU, he concluded.

President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in talks since September 2008 with a view to find a mutually acceptable solution that will reunite the country, divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.

After Cyprus’ accession to the EU, Turkey refused to extent its Customs Union to Cyprus, a commitment known as the Ankara Protocol, to open its ports and airports to vessel and aircraft bearing the Cypriot flag and to normalize its relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

The EU expects Turkey to implement the protocol in its entirety and in a non-discriminatory manner, and emphasizes how necessary it is that Turkey recognize Cyprus.

(Source: Famagusta Gazette)

   Print Version     |        Back    |     Send To Friend