“The Council welcomes the intensified engagement by the parties to the settlement of the Cyprus problem”, states the Slovak EU Presidency text on Turkey`s EU accession process, debated today by the Foreign Affair Ministers, calling on Turkey to contribute to “a favorable climate, aimed at a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement”.
Meanwhile the EU clarifies that “Under the currently prevailing circumstances, no new chapters are considered for opening”, welcoming the opening of Chapter 33 (Financial and budgetary provisions) on 30 June 2016 and noting “that no chapters have been opened since then”.
Specifically paragraph 26 reads: “The Council welcomes the intensified engagement by the parties to the settlement of the Cyprus problem. In light of recent encouraging developments and as emphasized by the Negotiating Framework, the Council expects Turkey`s active support to the negotiations, including steps contributing to a favorable climate, aimed at a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement within the UN framework, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the Union is founded and acquis communautaire. Turkey’s commitment and contribution in concrete terms to such a comprehensive settlement remains crucial”.
The text also recalls the 2006 conclusions urging Turkey to open ports and airports to vessels from Cyprus, regretting that Turkey keeps ignoring its Ankara Protocol obligations and did nothing to normalize relations with the republic of Cyprus.
“Recalling its conclusions of 11 December 2006 and the declaration of 21 September 2005, the Council notes with deep regret that Turkey, despite repeated calls, continues refusing to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement towards all Member States, the fulfilment of which could provide a positive impulse to the negotiation process. In the absence of progress on this issue, including Turkey`s restrictions as regards the Republic of Cyprus, the Council will maintain its measures from 2006, which will have a continuous effect on the overall progress of the negotiations,” paragraph 25 says.
Furthermore, “Turkey has regrettably still not made progress towards the necessary normalization of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. The Council recalls its position on accession of EU Member States to international organizations. The Council reiterates that recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the accession process. The Council invites the Commission to continue to monitor closely and specifically report on all issues covered by the declaration of 21 September 2005 in its forthcoming annual report. On this basis, the Council will continue to closely follow and review progress made, in accordance with its relevant conclusions. The Council reiterates its call for progress without any further delay”.
The EU urges Turkey to adhere to good neighbourly relations and respect the territorial integrity of EU member states.
“In line with the Negotiating Framework, previous European Council conclusions, including those of 24 October 2014, and Council conclusions, the Council reiterates that Turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice. In this context, the Union expresses once again serious concern, and urges Turkey to avoid any kind of threat or action directed against a Member State, or source of friction or actions, which damage good neighborly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” the text adds.
Moreover, the EU stresses again all the sovereign rights of EU Member States. “This includes, inter alia, the right to enter into bilateral agreements and to explore and exploit natural resources in accordance with the EU acquis and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and also stresses the need to respect the sovereignty of Member States over their territorial sea and airspace” paragraph 24 points out.
Finally the Council welcomes Turkey`s progress in fulfilling the benchmarks of its visa liberalization roadmap. “Turkey`s implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement has also made a key contribution”, according to the text.
“The Council encourages Turkey`s work towards fulfilment of all benchmarks and asks the Commission to continue reporting on further progress. While regretting Turkey`s unilateral statements in this regard, which have no legal effect, the Council underlines the importance of full and effective implementation of both the readmission agreement and the visa roadmap vis-à-vis all Member States, including cooperation on JHA issues and non-discriminatory visa free access to the Turkish territory for the citizens of all EU Member States. Pending this, adequate implementation of existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions contained in similar agreements and arrangements between Turkey and EU Member States, as well as reinforced management of the common borders with all EU Member States, remain a priority”.
