The report of the European Parliament on Turkey was received with mixed feelings in Nicosia. Despite the fact that the accession negotiations may be blocked, while its obligations with regard to Cyprus are highlighted, at the same time, Nicosia is concerned about the window that has been left open for the customs upgrade, which is a red line for Cyprus.

Indeed, information says that Cypriot MEPs did not hide their dissatisfaction all this time, although it was not made possible to change this paragraph.

Greece and Cyprus

With regard to Turkey’s relations with its neighbors, the EP calls on Turkey to intensify its efforts to resolve all disputes on the basis of international law and in the context of good neighbourly relations, condemning the violations of airspace and marine waters of Greece and stressing the need to remove the casus belli. Special mention is made in Hagia Sophia, with MEPs opposing every extreme view that promotes the alteration of its physiognomy as a historical-religious monument, as well as its transformation into a mosque.

MEPs reiterate the EP’s position on a fair, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bi-communal, bizonal federation, a single international legal entity, a single sovereignty and single citizenship, and political equality between the two communities as defined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions in accordance with international law and the EU acquis, and respecting the principles underpinning the Union. They call on the EU and the Member States to play a more active role in the successful conclusion of the negotiations.

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