Cyprus-Forum.com

[T_C]

Berlin.

A draft resolution on Cyprus introduced Wednesday in the German parliament, triggered Nicosia’s discontent, the Greek ANA-MPA agency informed.
The draft resolution titled “Progress for Cyprus – obligation for EU’s German Presidency” will be discussed on Thursday in the German parliament. Its adoption is thought to be predetermined. Two of all 11 points are directed towards Turkey and are satisfactory for Cyprus. However the points that triggered Nicosia’s discontent and meddling are those that are encouraging for the so-called economic embargo on Northern Cyprus to be lifted and for direct trade between the EU and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to start.

[zan]

Das ist gut ja!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DT.]

Das ist gut ja!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

think you'll find that the same motion also calls for turkish troops to be withdrawn from the island.

[RichardB]

Und das ist besser nitch war?

[zan]

Controversial Cyprus vote passed



German parliament approves controversial Cyprus vote

THE German Parliament yesterday approved a controversial resolution urging Berlin to take the initiative as current EU president to push for a Cyprus settlement and make progress on direct trade with the north.

The resolution has upset Nicosia which had canvassed for changes to the draft resolution, without much success.

It remains unclear whether the resolution is binding on the German government.

The final text was approved without any amendments by an overwhelming majority in the Bundestag. The Left did not take part in the vote.

Despite some positive references – including calls on Turkey to withdraw its troops from northern Cyprus, the resolution comes as boost to the Talat regime.

Speakers told the debate yesterday they were not pushing for recognition of the breakaway state.

But the resolution calls on the Cyprus government to lift its ban on the ‘parliament’, ‘administration’, public organisations and educational institutions of northern Cyprus so as to allow direct ties with the EU has irked Nicosia.

Ambassador Leonidas Markides had written to the speaker of the Bundestag warning that the resolution, as it stood, would not be helpful to relations between the two countries.

However, the resolution enjoyed the support of the ruling coalition – the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, and two of the three opposition parties – the Liberals and the Greens.

Two of the 11 articles urge Ankara to proceed with the gradual withdrawal of Turkish troops and to implement the customs union by opening its ports and airports to Cyprus.

Berlin is urged to act to break the deadlock over direct trade with the north and to work with the "administration in north Cyprus to promote gradual harmonisation with the acquis communautaire".
http://www.cyprusweekly.com.cy/default. ... wsID=304_7

Does anyone know if he withdrawal of the troops and the lifting of embargoes are linked or will the lifting of the embargoes go ahead regardless?

[cypezokyli]

this is a resolution which is not binding for the german chancellor. it cannot dictate to the chancellor how she is supposed to make foreign policy.
it is not binding for the EU, and ofcource not binding for turkey and cyprus.

nevertheless the opinion of the german parliaments majority should not go unnotticed.

[bigOz]

duplication!

[bigOz]

Perfectly understandable. UK is already probing this subject and with such a decision in the parliament of the current EU leader, they are bound to support the motion. I think there is real possibility that direct trade will start with the TRNC.

If it does, then hopefully many will see that the relationship between TCs and GCs will get even better. The reduction of troops will obviously follow, but would be immaterial since they have not / are not threatening anyone! In any case, keeping so many troops in Cyprus is also an economic burden for Turkey - I believe they would be happy with just being a "guarantor power", with the right to intervene militarily if GCs ever attacked the TCs.

Since we are assured that GCs have no aspirations of any military activity against the TCs - then it would keep Turkish military away for good, with no worries on GC minds or any danger to the internationally recognised status of Cyprus.

[DT.]

Perfectly understandable. UK is already probing this subject and with such a decision in the parliament of the current EU leader, they are bound to support the motion. I think there is real possibility that direct trade will start with the TRNC.

If it does, then hopefully many will see that the relationship between TCs and GCs will get even better. The reduction of troops will obviously follow, but would be immaterial since they have not / are not threatening anyone! In any case, keeping so many troops in Cyprus is also an economic burden for Turkey - I believe they would be happy with just being a "guarantor power", with the right to intervene militarily if GCs ever attacked the TCs.

Since we are assured that GCs have no aspirations of any military activity against the TCs - then it would keep Turkish military away for good, with no worries on GC minds or any danger to the internationally recognised status of Cyprus.

Having done the army i can tell you that armies are positioned in a defensive position 99% of the time (artillery behind infantry in front). The Turkish troops in Cyprus are in a offensive formation (artillery in front and infantry behind).WHile the Cyprus national guard is in a defensive formation. That doesn't give me a lot of confidence that they are not threatening anyone as you say.

[bigOz]

Perfectly understandable. UK is already probing this subject and with such a decision in the parliament of the current EU leader, they are bound to support the motion. I think there is real possibility that direct trade will start with the TRNC.

If it does, then hopefully many will see that the relationship between TCs and GCs will get even better. The reduction of troops will obviously follow, but would be immaterial since they have not / are not threatening anyone! In any case, keeping so many troops in Cyprus is also an economic burden for Turkey - I believe they would be happy with just being a "guarantor power", with the right to intervene militarily if GCs ever attacked the TCs.

Since we are assured that GCs have no aspirations of any military activity against the TCs - then it would keep Turkish military away for good, with no worries on GC minds or any danger to the internationally recognised status of Cyprus.

Having done the army i can tell you that armies are positioned in a defensive position 99% of the time (artillery behind infantry in front). The Turkish troops in Cyprus are in a offensive formation (artillery in front and infantry behind).While the Cyprus national guard is in a defensive formation. That doesn't give me a lot of confidence that they are not threatening anyone as you say.

I have also done my military service and I am not sure what you are referring to as the artillery being in front of Turkish troops! The closest to any GC along all populated areas and towns are solitary soldiers holding rifles!

The million dollar question is of course: Had the Turkish military ever attacked GCs across the TCs border at any time over the past 33 years?
A simple "yes" or "no" will do if you may...