Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-11-16-Speech-2-067"
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"en.20041116.9.2-067"2
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".
Mr President, at its meeting in Luxembourg on 26 April 2004, the General Affairs and External Relations Council underlined its determination to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. To that end, the Council invited the Commission to bring forward comprehensive proposals, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the islands and to improve the contact between the two communities and the European Union.
The Council also recommended releasing the EUR 259 million already earmarked for the northern part of Cyprus in the event of a settlement. In that light, as the Commissioner has just said, with a view to the economic integration of the island and improved contact between the communities, in July 2004 the Commission submitted a draft regulation establishing a financial instrument in which the opinion of the European Parliament is requested. It also submitted a draft regulation on direct trade between the northern part of Cyprus and the rest of the EU.
In line with the mandate given by the Council on 26 April, the Dutch presidency committed itself to putting the proposals forward and made considerable efforts to that end. Both proposals were carefully considered in the Permanent Representatives Committee. Difficulties were encountered and concerns were expressed during that discussion on certain issues such as property and sovereign rights.
Progress was made after intense discussion, especially on the draft regulation establishing a financial instrument. The remaining point is the definition of the role of the European Agency for Reconstruction, and discussions are also continuing on the direct trade regulation. There are still substantial problems with this draft regulation and the Council and the Commission are working very hard to resolve the issue. The Dutch presidency is considering discussing this at the next General Affairs and External Relations Council. I would like to say that we are grateful for the constructive work undertaken by the parliamentary committees involved.
The aim of the Dutch presidency is to provide real and effective economic opportunities for the Turkish Cypriot community, by promoting trade with the EU whilst respecting fully the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus. We trust that this will ultimately benefit the people of Cyprus throughout the island."@en1
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