The European Commission’s clear and “consistent position” on the Cyprus issue was underlined by the vice-president of the Commission, Margaritis Schinas, speaking to the Plenary of the European Parliament, in the debate.
On the occasion of yesterday’s 41st anniversary of the unilateral declaration of the pseudo-state of “Northern Cyprus” he emphasized that “the position of the European Commission is clear and consistent. We follow international law. We follow the relevant decisions of the United Nations Security Council. We recognize the Republic of Cyprus as the only legitimate government of Cyprus. And we condemn any violation of its territorial integrity,”
He added: “It is clear that we need a fair, comprehensive and sustainable settlement in Cyprus as soon as possible. This arrangement would be particularly beneficial not only for Cyprus and its citizens, but also for security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. The future of Cyprus cannot but be European. Walls and barricades are a thing of the past. The future belongs to European Cyprus”.
He even noted that the settlement of the Cyprus problem should be based on the framework of the United Nations, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, based on the fundamental values of the EU. He also added that the settlement of the Cyprus issue is a key concern for the EU, recalling that in April 2024, European leaders underlined the importance of this issue in terms of EU-Turkey relations.
According to his words, “the European Commission is ready to play its role in supporting the reunification process of Cyprus under the auspices of the UN. At all stages and with all the appropriate means at our disposal.” As he explained, one of these instruments is the EU aid program for the Turkish Cypriot community. Between 2006 and 2024, the European Commission has allocated 727 million euros for this program. To promote the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, to finance confidence-building measures between the two communities, to support civil society actions, to promote EU values and standards. And with the aim of preparing the Turkish Cypriot community for the “EU acquis. This assistance does not imply the recognition of any public authority in Cyprus other than the government of the Republic of Cyprus. On the contrary, the clear and explicit objective of providing this assistance is to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus.”
He concluded by saying that “the Commission is monitoring the implementation of the EU regulation on the Green Line. The EU has supported the work of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus and is ready to continue supporting the efforts undertaken under the auspices of the UN.”
Source: newsbeast.gr
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