EU regrets the Turkish threats against Cyprus

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule has expressed, through his representative, the Commission’s regret for the Turkish threats against the Republic of Cyprus, noting that these are opposing the EU Council’s decision of 2010 that calls on Turkey to maintain good neighbourly relations.

Fule notes that “in line with Council conclusions, most recently of December 2010, the EU urges Turkey to refrain from any kind of threat, sources of friction or action, which could negatively affect good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of border disputes”.

The Commission regrets any statements that are not conducive to this objective. It regularly reiterates these issues in its discussions with Turkey and will continue to monitor Turkey`s commitments to good neighbourly relations in the light of the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, the Commissioner adds. Moreover, the Council of Ministers has repeatedly underlined the importance of progress in the normalisation of relations between Turkey and all EU Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus. Furthermore, the EU has stressed all the sovereign rights of EU Member States which include entering into bilateral agreements, in accordance with the EU Acquis and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Commission would like to underline, once again, the urgent need to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue. Ahead of the crucial phase of Cyprus talks this autumn, it is essential that all parties concerned exert restrain and do their utmost to ensure a positive climate that will facilitate a successful completion of the process, Fule concludes.