Written answers

Wednesday, 25 October 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

9:00 am

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the financial and other economic implications for the Cypriot economy from the unilateral and punitive restrictions being imposed by Turkey, an EU applicant member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34565/06]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The relationship between Cyprus and Turkey is fraught with a number of problems stemming from the division of the island between the internationally-recognised Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish controlled northern part. EU membership conferred a range of economic benefits on the Republic of Cyprus. Finding a solution to Cyprus's political problem would allow these benefits to be extended to all the people of the island.

Following the referendums of 24 April 2004 on the UN Secretary General's proposals for a comprehensive settlement, the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) agreed on the need to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by fostering their economic advancement. At its meeting on 27 February last, the Council adopted a regulation establishing a financial support instrument under which a total of €139 million will be made available to the Turkish Cypriot community in 2006 for the purpose of facilitating the integration of the island and promoting contact between the two communities.

The June 2006 European Council recalled the need for Turkey to fulfil its obligations under the Association Agreement and its Additional Protocol, which takes account of the accession of the new Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey's progress in fulfilling these obligations, which include the need to recognise the economic, maritime and navigational rights of all EU Member States will be evaluated by the European Commission in a report that is due to be published on 8 November. The Finnish Presidency is working on an initiative aimed at resolving the question of access to Turkish ports for Cypriot vessels in compliance with the Ankara Protocol. We fully support these efforts by the Presidency and hope that they will lead to a solution.

The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement. The EU and its Member States recognise the importance of supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary General and are agreed that a just and lasting settlement would contribute to peace and stability in the region. Our shared objective is an agreed, comprehensive settlement, which will enable the people of Cyprus to live together as citizens of a united Cyprus in the European Union.

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