Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-09-04-Speech-2-127"
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"en.20010904.7.2-127"2
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".
Mr President, for the second year running, I have the honour of presenting you with the report on Cyprus’ membership application to the European Union. The motion for a resolution before you was adopted in committee by 55 votes to 2 with 1 abstention. It proves to be an account with many contrasts.
On the one hand, it underlines Cyprus’ excellent performance in relation to the adoption of the acquis: 23 chapters have already been closed and the remaining chapters do not present insurmountable difficulties. On the other hand, the motion deplores the continuing division of the island. The hopes that the international community had placed in proximity talks, held under the aegis of the United Nations, were dashed last November by the unilateral withdrawal of Mr Denktash from the process. This withdrawal has been supported by Turkey to this day.
Although precious time has been wasted in the process of trying to find a solution to the political problem before accession, I can only recommend that the European Parliament adhere firmly to its previous position founded on International Law and justice. This position, which is also that of the United Nations, the Council of Europe and all the other European institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, was confirmed on 10 May 2001 by the European Court of Human Rights.
The political solution we seek cannot include the persistence of a
situation created by force. It must, on the other hand, turn the page on the past and resolutely face the future. The Secretary-General of the United Nations made a proposal to both the Greek and the Turkish Cypriots for a federal system based upon a democratic model that would respect the distinct characteristics of each of the parties. Such models work in many European countries – Germany, Belgium and Switzerland among others – where they have proven both their viability and their vitality.
Solutions to all longstanding issues can be found through the negotiation process, whether these issues be the reciprocal wrongs which have accumulated since 1960 (the problem of refugees, property, the retreat of troops, for example), with the support, as the need arises, of the International Community. Cyprus’ problems are not irresolvable if the political will is there to give a boost to proceedings now. The cold war is over. All the walls in Europe have been knocked down. The enemies of yesteryear have become our partners. It would be in the widely acknowledged common interest of all countries in our region, especially Turkey, to resolve this bone of contention.
Both communities on the island – and recent opinion polls are proof of this – want to be part of the European Union. Those who have chosen stagnation as their only strategy, maybe as a strategy for survival, should respect this will.
By guaranteeing a large majority to the motion for a resolution on Cyprus, the European Parliament will strengthen the negotiating position of Mr Kofi Annan. In late 2001 and early 2002, the General Secretary of the United Nations will have a last chance to make a breakthrough in intercommunity negotiations. If, however, his efforts continue to be sabotaged by one of the parties, history will forever condemn those who are opposed to international order. Should this happen, the European Union can only honour its engagement made at the highest level at Helsinki in December 1999, being conscious of the fact that a political settlement does not constitute a prerequisite for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union.
In the meantime, I can only call on the legitimate government of Cyprus to contribute steadfastly to the removal of obstacles to remaining problems so that accession negotiations can be settled before the end of 2002."@en1
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