EP DRAFT RESOLUTION CALLS ON TURKEY TO CONTRIBUTE TO CYPRUS SOLUTION

Financial Mirror
Nov 25 2009
Cyprus

The European Parliament, in a motion for a resolution on enlargement,
calls on Turkey to actively contribute to the swift solution of the
Cyprus problem, on the basis of UN Security Council decisions and
EU principles.

According to a press release, the European Parliament says current
and potential candidate countries must continue reforming to stay on
track for eventual EU membership.

"Key issues, such as rule of law, freedom of expression, treatment
of ethnic minorities and the fight against corruption and organised
crime must still be addressed," according to the draft resolution,
which was approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday and is
scheduled for a plenary vote on November 26.

In the chapter on Turkey, the European Parliament "calls on the
Turkish government to contribute actively to the swift devising of
a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question."

The draft resolution highlights the importance of a swiftly
implementing judicial reform to improve the functioning of the Turkish
state and society.

MEPs regret the limited progress made in the area of freedom of
religion and freedom of expression, following the unprecedented fine
imposed on a media group.

The non-fulfillment of commitments stemming from the Ankara Protocol
is also criticised, and Turkey is urged to proceed to its full and
non-discriminatory implementation.

Furthermore, the European Parliament welcomes Turkey’s signing of
the Nabucco gas pipeline agreement and calls for the opening of the
energy chapter in the accession negotiations.

Diplomatic efforts made to normalise relations with Armenia are
underlined. The Turkish Grand National Assembly, as well as the
Parliament of Armenia, should ratify the relevant protocols, the
resolution notes.