Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 04-04-21

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] European Parliament resolution on Cyprus (FULL TEXT)

[01] European Parliament resolution on Cyprus (FULL TEXT)

2210:CYPPRESS:16

European Parliament resolution on Cyprus (FULL TEXT)

Nicosia, Apr 21 (CNA) --

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its assent of 9 April 2003 to the application by the Republic of Cyprus to become a Member of the European Union ,

- having regard to the Treaty on the Accession of the Republic of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Slovenia to the European Union, and in particular Protocol 10 thereof,

- having regard to its resolution of 11 March 2004 on the comprehensive monitoring report of the European Commisison on the state of preparedness for EU membership of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia ,

- having regard to Rule 37(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas it has consistently supported all efforts to reunify Cyprus,

B. whereas it has specifically supported the recent settlement process started in New York and concluded in Burgenstock, Switzerland, under the auspices of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan,

C. whereas one of the top priorities and challenges for the EU is to be able to project peace and stability to neighbouring, and future member, countries,

D. whereas it is understandable that in a negotiation process based on compromises the resulting agreement never fully satisfies both sides in all its aspects, and whereas measures and arrangements can in any case be changed by mutual agreement once confidence is established and peace built,

1. Points out that the final settlement plan has been negotiated between the two sides on the island of Cyprus with the involvement of Greece and Turkey and has been finalised under the authority of the UN Security Council by the UNSG Kofi Annan;

2. Expresses its support, and welcomes the initiative of the United Nations Secretary General, who on 31 March handed over to the two parties the final version of his plan on the reunification of Cyprus, which will be put to two separate referenda on the island on 24 April, as agreed by all parties in New York on 13 February 2004, so that the reunited island can join the European Union on 1 May;

3. Acknowledges - although it would unreservedly welcome a united Cyprus as a member of the European Union - the right of Cypriots to decide for themselves on the plan in a referendum without pressure from the outside and will respect such a decision, but points out that a broad, fact-based information campaign is still necessary;

4. Considers that this final document constitutes a historic compromise which would end one of the longest-running conflicts in Europe and could serve as a shining example for handling equally difficult international issues;

5. Considers that the final revised plan institutionalises a functional federal system of government which is able to ensure that a reunited Cyprus can speak with one voice and fully play its role in the framework of the European institutions, and calls on all parties to fulfil their obligations with honesty and openness;

6. Takes note that the proposed Act of Adaptation of Protocol 10 does not contain permanent derogations from the acquis communautaire, but only transitional periods, and calls on the Commission to rigorously discharge its responsibilities for reviewing the application of the provisions of the Act;

7. Understands that the population of Cyprus has numerous questions regarding many extremely complex elements of the plan, but is convinced that any difficulties which may arise in the implementation of the agreement can be solved with the assistance of the EU institutions, especially with respect to property restitution and the re-establishment of the 1974 refugees;

8. Reminds both sides on the island that the EU, through the involvement of the Commission, has underlined its support for the process leading towards the final shape of the peace and reconciliation plan;

9. Takes the view that gradual demilitarisation of the island would facilitate mutual understanding between the two communities and pave the way for their full reconciliation;

10. Shares the Commission's view that it is not a question of making a choice between the Annan plan and another plan, but of choosing between this plan and no alternative for a long period of time;

11. Calls on the citizens of Cyprus to be fully responsible, consistent and committed to their status as EU citizens, and to seize this historic opportunity to reunify their country in a peaceful way;

12. Reassures the citizens of Cyprus that the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission are willing to provide financial support for the implementation of the settlement and the acquis communautaire; welcomes the positive result of the high-level pre-donors' conference on 15 April 2004 as an important signal of the solidarity of the European and international community;

13. Assures both sides that the EU institutions will rigorously guarantee with other international institutions the implementation of the settlement as this is a question touching upon their own credibility;

14. Confirms its intention actively to monitor the implementation of the Annan Plan, through its competent committee, and to make its contribution to the guaranteeing of the plan;

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