"For Turkey to have really credible prospects for EU accession, the human rights of the Greek Cypriot refugees have to be respected,''
"We did that in Poland even for properties lost more than 50 or 60 years ago, much longer than in Cyprus. Why couldn't Turkey do the same?'' she asked.
...and I'm going to spend money at Aldi( Aldi is german, right?)or I'll sell my car and buy a VW.
A RESOLUTION, which among other things called on Turkey to respect its obligations toward the European Union, including lifting its ban on the use of Turkish ports and airports by Cypriot ships and planes, was adopted overwhelmingly yesterday by the European Parliament.
The reference to Cyprus was part of a report on EU expansion prepared by German Conservative MP Elmar Brok, the Chairman of the EU Parliament's foreign affairs committee which was adopted by 397 votes for, 95 against and with 37 abstentions.
The reference to Cyprus stated that the EU Parliament: "Calls on the Turkish authorities to fully implement the provisions stemming from the Customs Union Agreement and the priorities in the Accession Partnership and to remove without delay all restrictions on the free movement of goods affecting, inter alia, vessels flying the flag of the Republic of Cyprus or ships approaching Turkish ports from harbours in the Republic of Cyprus, or Cypriot aircraft; calls on the Turkish government to state clearly that the Declaration is not part of the ratification process in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, thereby enabling the European Parliament to ratify the Additional Protocol'.'
"Now it is high time for Turkey to take the next step (on Cyprus)'' Brok said following the adoption of his report.
Adamant
Turkey has been adamantly refusing to comply with the EU demand, which was one of the conditions set by the EU for the opening of its accession negotiations with it. Turkey feels that such a step would amount to recognition of Cyprus as a full and equal member of the EU, something it is adamantly refusing to do.
Brok made it clear that the EU parliament will only ratify the EU-Turkey will only approve the extension of its existing Customs Union agreement with Turkey if Ankara ends the ban on Cypriot ships and planes.
He said that recognition of all the 10 new EU member states, including Cyprus, "is a necessary component for (Turkey's) accession process."
The adoption of the Brok report coincided with noticeable growing interest on Cyprus here, particularly following the decision at the Paris meeting earlier this month of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan with President Tassos Papadopoulos to proceed with a new effort for the resumption of Cyprus reunification talks linked to specific interim measures.
Elmar Brok went on to say:
Turkey should agree to discuss the Paris proposals instead of rejecting them,
Then I'm gonna buy some wooden clogs coz' Dutch MEP Camiel Eurlings, the EU Rapporteur on Turkey said:
"The Famagusta proposal could be a showcase for cooperation and a good pilot (project), a concrete step showing to the people that a well balanced settlement supported by both parties would benefit both,''
"What is most important is to start talking about concrete measures, like those agreed in Paris, which could be a first step that provides a view of another future that will stress the advantages of the people coming together with the disappearance of the dividing line,'' Eurling said.
He added that he expects a new momentum on Cyprus where the Famagusta proposal might contribute usefully. Both Eurling and Brok criticised the decision of Turkey to refuse to see Moller, adding that they will both seek to meet the UN official.
Both Eurling and Brok criticised the decision of Turkey to refuse to see Moller, adding that they will both seek to meet the UN official
