The New Anatolian / Lefkosa
The European People's Party (EPP) approved a controversial decision over the weekend urging Turkey to withdraw its forces from Cyprus as a part of efforts to ease tension and pave the way for a possible solution on Cyprus.
In its decision the EPP also calls on the United Nations to set a timetable for the withdrawal of Turkish forces.
It sparked criticism from Turkish Cypriots and Turkish circles who say that Annan plan, which foresees the withdrawal of Turkish forces from the island, was rejected by the Greek Cypriots, not the Turkish Cypriots.
The issue was brought to EPP's discussion floor by Greek Cypriot Democratic Mobilization Party (DISI) leader Nikos Anastasiadis. Greek Cypriot Politis daily maintained that the decision is important as 11 leaders from European Union member states have also signed it.
The EPP is the largest political grouping in the European Parliament which constitutes an umbrella group for Christian Democrats deputies and other right-wing EU parties.
Added to the request that Turkey withdraw its forces from the disputed island, the decision also confirms the unity and independence of the "Republic of Cyprus."
Expressing respect for the democratic will of Greek Cypriots, the EPP voices its disappointment over the situation on the divided island.
While the EPP calls on United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to restart a new peace initiative that might be acceptable to both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, it also calls on the EU to make active an contribution to international efforts to finding a solution to the problem.
"Turkey should continue with its positive efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue under the UN's auspices and in line with EU principles," the decision read, underlining the need for Turkey to approve the Ankara protocol which extends the Customs Union to the 10 new members of the EU, including the Greek Cypriot administration.
Stressing that Turkey will be involved in EU membership talks with all members of the 25 nation-bloc, the EPP also urges Turkey to recognize the Greek Cypriot administration, an EU member.
Concerning the isolation of Northern Cyprus, the EPP expresses support for all efforts towards economic and commercial assistance to be given to the Turkish Cypriots.
The European People's Party (EPP) approved a controversial decision over the weekend urging Turkey to withdraw its forces from Cyprus as a part of efforts to ease tension and pave the way for a possible solution on Cyprus.
In its decision the EPP also calls on the United Nations to set a timetable for the withdrawal of Turkish forces.
It sparked criticism from Turkish Cypriots and Turkish circles who say that Annan plan, which foresees the withdrawal of Turkish forces from the island, was rejected by the Greek Cypriots, not the Turkish Cypriots.
The issue was brought to EPP's discussion floor by Greek Cypriot Democratic Mobilization Party (DISI) leader Nikos Anastasiadis. Greek Cypriot Politis daily maintained that the decision is important as 11 leaders from European Union member states have also signed it.
The EPP is the largest political grouping in the European Parliament which constitutes an umbrella group for Christian Democrats deputies and other right-wing EU parties.
Added to the request that Turkey withdraw its forces from the disputed island, the decision also confirms the unity and independence of the "Republic of Cyprus."
Expressing respect for the democratic will of Greek Cypriots, the EPP voices its disappointment over the situation on the divided island.
While the EPP calls on United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to restart a new peace initiative that might be acceptable to both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, it also calls on the EU to make active an contribution to international efforts to finding a solution to the problem.
"Turkey should continue with its positive efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue under the UN's auspices and in line with EU principles," the decision read, underlining the need for Turkey to approve the Ankara protocol which extends the Customs Union to the 10 new members of the EU, including the Greek Cypriot administration.
Stressing that Turkey will be involved in EU membership talks with all members of the 25 nation-bloc, the EPP also urges Turkey to recognize the Greek Cypriot administration, an EU member.
Concerning the isolation of Northern Cyprus, the EPP expresses support for all efforts towards economic and commercial assistance to be given to the Turkish Cypriots.
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