The European Parliament yesterday 10th June approved Turkey’s 2014
progress report in which it also calls on Ankara to withdraw its
military troops from northern Cyprus, TRNC.
As well as to return the ‘ghost town’ of Famagusta to the UN so that
Cyprus goes ahead with opening the port under EU customs supervision.
“Turkey must begin to withdraw its troops and transfer the Famagusta
area to the UN, while the Republic of Cyprus should open the port of
Famagusta under EU customs supervision,” the report said. And it added:
“Turkey should also refrain from further settlement of Turkish citizens in the Northern side of Cyprus.”
The Euro MPs also makes a note that Turkey has to respect Cyprus’
sovereign Exclusive Economic Zone. And they make no reference to opening
any new chapters on Turkey’s accession to the European Union. At the
same time, the report underlines the important geopolitical and
geo-strategic role of Turkey within the EU.
In addition, the EP reiterated its strong support for the reunification
of Cyprus, on the basis of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement
for both communities, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General.
And in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the
values and principles on which the EU is founded, for a bi-communal,
bi-zonal federation with single sovereignty, single international legal
personality and single citizenship, with political equality between the
two communities and equal opportunities for all its citizens and
residents.
Credit: Cyprus Mail
