The European Parliament draft resolution on the 2011 Progress Report on Turkey calls on Turkey to begin withdrawing its military troops from Cyprus.

It also calls on Turkey to fully implement the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement towards Cyprus, noting that Ankara`s refusal to do so continues to deeply affect the process of EU – Turkey negotiations.

In the motion for a resolution on the 2011 Progress Report on Turkey, drafted by MEP Ria Oomen-Ruijten on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, it is stated that the EP strongly supports the ongoing negotiations on Cyprus reunification under the auspices of the Secretary General of the United Nations and stresses that a fair and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue is now urgent.

It furthermore calls on Turkey and all parties concerned to work intensively and with good will for a comprehensive agreement and calls on the Government of Turkey to begin withdrawing its forces from Cyprus and to transfer Famagusta to the United Nations in accordance with Resolution 550 (1984) of the United Nations Security Council.

In its draft resolution the EP calls on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision in order to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing negotiations for reunification and allow the Turkish Cypriots to trade directly in a legal way acceptable to all.

The EP encourages Turkey to intensify its support for the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus.