Cyprus-Forum.com

[CBBB]

EU parliament urged to 'consider' suspending relations with Turkey

By Martin Banks - 24th July 2012

Cypriot MEP Eleni Theocharous has urged parliament to consider suspending its relations with Turkey.

The EPP member says the move is justified because of Turkish intentions to freeze its relations with the new Cyprus presidency of the EU.

She said, "Parliament should consider the possibility of suspending their relations with Turkey.

"It must not be forgotten that this country continues to ignore and disrespect the Republic of Cyprus and the EU and its institutions.

"This is the least that can be done as a matter of principle and self-respect."

Her comments come in a recent letter to the EU-Turkey joint parliamentary committee (JPC) in which she also raises "doubts" about the role of Australian Alexander Downer, special advisor of the UN secretary general in Cyprus.

In the letter, Theocharous writes, "It is known that Turkey has announced that it intends to freeze its relations with the Cyprus presidency.

"If the Turkish Republic adheres to this decision, the EU should express its support to the Republic of Cyprus and respond by taking measures in terms of safeguarding the dignity of the EU and its member states.

"We should see the Turkish refusal to establish any relations with the Cyprus presidency through a lens of solidarity and parliament should consider the possibility of suspending their relations with Turkey."

She adds, "It must not be forgotten that this country continues to ignore and disrespect the Republic of Cyprus and the EU and its institutions.

"This is the least that can be done as a matter of principle and self-respect. Cyprus has repeatedly shown good will for a fair and just solution of the Cyprus issue in line with the fundamental values and principles of the EU and an intention to facilitate the Turkish accession to the EU.

"We deem that Turkey, as a candidate state, has the legal and political obligation to recognise the Republic of Cyprus and the Cyprus presidency."

She goes on to say "it must be noted that it is in Turkey's favour to abide by all its legal and political obligations stemming from the relevant EU decisions and thereby maintaining its accession negotiations on a positive track".

The deputy is also particularly critical of Downer, whose efforts to broker a settlement in Cyprus have so far failed. She objects to the invitation to him to address a recent meeting of the JPC.

She points out that the Cypriot house of representatives had issued a resolution that "brings to question Downer's impartiality".

"Despite Downer's position as the UN secretary general special advisor, he seems to have failed to gain trust as a mediator and facilitator and has taken inappropriate positions."

http://www.theparliament.com/latest-new ... A6iMKCGE1I

[Viewpoint]

EU parliament urged to 'consider' suspending relations with Turkey

By Martin Banks - 24th July 2012

Cypriot MEP Eleni Theocharous has urged parliament to consider suspending its relations with Turkey.

The EPP member says the move is justified because of Turkish intentions to freeze its relations with the new Cyprus presidency of the EU.

She said, "Parliament should consider the possibility of suspending their relations with Turkey.

"It must not be forgotten that this country continues to ignore and disrespect the Republic of Cyprus and the EU and its institutions.

"This is the least that can be done as a matter of principle and self-respect."

Her comments come in a recent letter to the EU-Turkey joint parliamentary committee (JPC) in which she also raises "doubts" about the role of Australian Alexander Downer, special advisor of the UN secretary general in Cyprus.

In the letter, Theocharous writes, "It is known that Turkey has announced that it intends to freeze its relations with the Cyprus presidency.

"If the Turkish Republic adheres to this decision, the EU should express its support to the Republic of Cyprus and respond by taking measures in terms of safeguarding the dignity of the EU and its member states.

"We should see the Turkish refusal to establish any relations with the Cyprus presidency through a lens of solidarity and parliament should consider the possibility of suspending their relations with Turkey."

She adds, "It must not be forgotten that this country continues to ignore and disrespect the Republic of Cyprus and the EU and its institutions.

"This is the least that can be done as a matter of principle and self-respect. Cyprus has repeatedly shown good will for a fair and just solution of the Cyprus issue in line with the fundamental values and principles of the EU and an intention to facilitate the Turkish accession to the EU.

"We deem that Turkey, as a candidate state, has the legal and political obligation to recognise the Republic of Cyprus and the Cyprus presidency."

She goes on to say "it must be noted that it is in Turkey's favour to abide by all its legal and political obligations stemming from the relevant EU decisions and thereby maintaining its accession negotiations on a positive track".

The deputy is also particularly critical of Downer, whose efforts to broker a settlement in Cyprus have so far failed. She objects to the invitation to him to address a recent meeting of the JPC.

She points out that the Cypriot house of representatives had issued a resolution that "brings to question Downer's impartiality".

"Despite Downer's position as the UN secretary general special advisor, he seems to have failed to gain trust as a mediator and facilitator and has taken inappropriate positions."

http://www.theparliament.com/latest-new ... A6iMKCGE1I

Response = nothing so it makes no difference if you Gcs are head of the EU the other still ignore you...pathetic really.

[Lordo]

That'll be the day. I would love to see it happen.

[bill cobbett]

This motion should go further... no progress at all, zero, zilch on Turkish accession, 'til every single bleeding Turkish soldier leaves CY and 'til Turkey ends its interference in CY... and the near 1 Billion Euros a year Convergence Funding should be suspended.

[bill cobbett]

... and the Customs Union suspended... that'll hurt, it'll hurt deeply and very quickly.

[Viewpoint]

This motion should go further... no progress at all, zero, zilch on Turkish accession, 'til every single bleeding Turkish soldier leaves CY and 'til Turkey ends its interference in CY... and the near 1 Billion Euros a year Convergence Funding should be suspended.

Why do you think the EU dont do anything?

[CBBB]

This motion should go further... no progress at all, zero, zilch on Turkish accession, 'til every single bleeding Turkish soldier leaves CY and 'til Turkey ends its interference in CY... and the near 1 Billion Euros a year Convergence Funding should be suspended.

Why do you think the EU dont do anything?

Blah, blah, blah.

[Viewpoint]

This motion should go further... no progress at all, zero, zilch on Turkish accession, 'til every single bleeding Turkish soldier leaves CY and 'til Turkey ends its interference in CY... and the near 1 Billion Euros a year Convergence Funding should be suspended.

Why do you think the EU dont do anything?

Blah, blah, blah.

So you dont have any answers.

[Lordo]

... and the Customs Union suspended... that'll hurt, it'll hurt deeply and very quickly.

in your dreams customs union is a signed deal. how can they stop it. can we come back to the real world.

[CBBB]

This motion should go further... no progress at all, zero, zilch on Turkish accession, 'til every single bleeding Turkish soldier leaves CY and 'til Turkey ends its interference in CY... and the near 1 Billion Euros a year Convergence Funding should be suspended.

Why do you think the EU dont do anything?

Blah, blah, blah.

So you dont have any answers.

Blah, blah, blah.