President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz has stressed that the solution of the Cyprus problem must be based on the principles on which the EU is founded and on the relevant decisions of the UN Security Council.
Schulz’s statement came in a written answer to Cypriot MEP (EPP) Eleni Theocharous, who informed him about Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan’s statement that the solution of the Cyprus problem must be based on two establishing ‘states’.
In his written statement, Schulz notes that he has repeatedly stressed his personal sorrow over the fact that Turkish authorities continue to disrespect the Republic of Cyprus.
In addition, he stresses that Turkey’s EU accession is based on the European Council’s decisions on the 14th and 15th of December 2006, which stipulate that eight negotiation chapters will not open and no chapter will close unless Turkey fully implements the Additional Protocol of Ankara.
He also reiterates that the European Parliament supports the ongoing process for a solution of the Cyprus problem.
UN-led peace talks resumed in February this year between the island’s two communities, with a view to finding a negotiated settlement that would reunite Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
