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20-05-2021 13:37

Remarks by the Government Spokesman on the resolution of the European Parliament with regard to the EU Progress Report on Turkey

The fact that the European Parliament recognises that any candidate country for accession or a country that seeks to upgrade its relations with the European Union must behave within the framework of international law, the European principles and values, and the European Treaties, affirms the steady position expressed by the Republic of Cyprus, the Government Spokesman, Mr Kyriacos J. Koushos, said today.

In his remarks to the Media, at the Presidential Palace, Mr Koushos said that “the Cypriot Government welcomes yesterday’s resolution by the European Parliament with regard to the EU Progress Report on Turkey on its accession course, since it sets and defines which will be the road and the actions that Turkey is obliged to follow if she truly desires a European prospect and a positive agenda with the EU.

The fact that the European Parliament recognises that any candidate country for accession or a country that seeks to upgrade its relations with the European Union must behave within the framework of international law, the European principles and values, and the European Treaties, affirms the steady position expressed by the Republic of Cyprus on the issue which is also included as a joint position of the EU in a number of decisions by the European Council.

At the same time, with its decision, the European Parliament sends out the clear message that Turkey must terminate its provocative actions and any violations of sovereign rights and international law in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.

The message, therefore, is explicit and crystal clear. We want Turkey to have a manifest European orientation and prospect, something, however, that presupposes its full compliance with the EU values and principles, international law, and good neighbourly relations. 

Turkey should fulfil its accession obligations toward the Republic of Cyprus and cooperate constructively for the resumption of substantial talks (on the Cyprus issue) from where they were left off at Crans Montana, for the achievement of a lasting, functional solution, within the framework of the UN resolutions and decisions.

Consequently, it becomes quite obvious that any positive development on the EU-Turkey relations depends exclusively and solely upon Turkey itself”. 

RM/EH/ECHR