The Republic of Cyprus should start contemplating revising its stance that it can monitor Turkey through its EU accession course, since Turkish President Tayip Erdogan seems to care little about it, said on Tuesday Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.
Speaking before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on modernising Turkey`s EU customs union agreement, he said that Cyprus has made it clear that there cannot be any other agreement as part of the customs union agreement between the EU and Ankara if the latter does not implement the Ankara Protocol.
Any such additional agreement, said the Foreign Minister, would allow Turkey to trade goods with the EU and vice versa, without any special restrictions, including movement of capital and liberalising public transport.
It would also give Turkish companies the right to participate in tenders within the EU.
He further explained that the Republic of Cyprus participates in this discussion on the issue to see how it can further safeguard the Republic`s rights in case Turkey implements the Ankara Protocol.
Kasoulides told members of the Committee that Malta aims to complete the negotiating terms for the modernisation of Turkey`s customs union with the EU during its presidency, noting however that this is a very ambitious target considering the climate in Europe as regards Turkey.
He said that during a discussion among member states, many countries expressed great reservations about Turkey`s continuing accession course and said that the EU should start considering alternative options.
According to Kasoulides, EU member states will not suspend Turkey`s EU course if it does not implement capital punishment.
He also said that the Republic of Cyprus participates in the discussion to secure its interests in the event that Turkey decides to implement the Ankara Protocol. He also said that if Turkey does not implement it, then there is no reason to seek further trade relations.
Kasoulides further clarified that due to the continued occupation of part of the Republic`s territories, Nicosia cannot and will not consent to adopting and implementing any other agreement if there is no full implementation of the Ankara Protocol and opening of Turkish ports and airports to Cyprus flagged ships and airplanes.
Furthermore, he said that it was secured that any new agreement should be taken with two Council decisions, one requiring unanimity and Nicosia will insist on the legal basis for unanimity.
Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus` northern part since they invaded, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member since 2004 and refuses to comply with EU calls to normalise relations with Nicosia and meet the obligations emanating from its accession process.
