President of the European Parliament Hans Gert Pottering has said in a letter that exercises by the Turkish army in Cyprus undermine the sense of compromise and commitment necessary to achieve a successful conclusion to the peace process on the island.
CNA reports that Pottering was replying to a question submitted by Cypriot MEP Marios Matsakis regarding a shell fired by Turkish forces in Cyprus, close to the ceasefire line, which caused damage to a house.
Matsakis urged the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council to protest to the Turkish government.
In his letter dated February 20 2009, Pottering says: "in the resolution of 28 September 2005 on the opening of negotiations with Turkey, the European Parliament stated that the withdrawal of Turkish forces is a necessary step forward on the way to further easing tension, resuming dialogue between the parties and preparing for a lasting solution in Cyprus."
http://www.famagusta-gazette.com
Hans Gert Pottering
