EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule warned Turkey yesterday to refrain from any action regarding Cyprus, which could negatively affect good neighbourly relations.
Fule was speaking on the publication of the annual progress report on Turkey’s accession process.
“Regrettably, accession negotiations have not moved forward for more than one year. There are frustrations about this on both sides,” said Fule, adding that the EU should work out ways to keep Ankara engaged. “I believe it is time to work for a renewed positive agenda in EU-Turkey relations. To build together on our common strategic interests,” Fule added.
He said however that the situation between Turkey and Cyprus was yet another reminder of the potential for problems in the region. In this instance he was referring to Cyprus’ oil and gas exploration. In the weeks leading up to the start of drilling, Turkey issues numerous threats if the project went ahead. Drilling began last month.
“We are concerned about the recent tension and our report today makes four points very clear,” said Fule.
He said first of all the Commission wished to stress the sovereign rights of all EU Member States to enter into bilateral agreements in accordance with the EU acquis and international law.
“Second, we recall the necessity for Turkey to refrain from any kind of threat or action which could negatively affect good neighbourly relations,’ he said.
Thirdly he said the Commission wanted to underline the urgency for Turkey to fulfil the non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement and make progress towards normalisation of bilateral relations with Cyprus.
“This could clearly give a significant boost to the accession process,’ he said.
“Fourth and most importantly we reiterate our strong support to the comprehensive settlement talks on Cyprus. As we enter into this intensive phase of the Cyprus talks, it is essential that all parties exert restraint and do their utmost to ensure a positive climate that will facilitate a successful completion of the process.”
In the progress report the Commission also urged Turkey to remove to remove all remaining restrictions on the free movement of goods, including on means of transport regarding Cyprus, and to implement the Customs Union fully. Ankara has a ban on Greek Cypriot air and sea traffic.
“The lack of communications between air traffic control centres in Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus continues to seriously compromise air safety,” the report said.
In fact, the report says there was no progress at all on normalising bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus. “Turkey has not lifted its veto of Cyprus’s membership of several international organisations, including the OECD and the Wassenaar Arrangement on export controls for conventional arms and dual-use goods. The Republic of Cyprus reported violations of its territorial waters and airspace by Turkey. Senior representatives of the Turkish government have stated that
relations with the EU President will be frozen for six months as of 1 July 2012 in the absence of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue when Cyprus takes over the Council presidency,” it added.
