Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-09-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRIOT FM - TURKEY - EU

[02] SPOKESMAN - TURKEY - EU - CYPRUS

[01] CYPRIOT FM - TURKEY - EU

Lillikas expressed the view that Ankara has enough time to meet its EU commitments until the 24th of October, when the European Commission will publish its progress report on the EU Turkey accession negotiations, and expressed the view that Ankara could even fulfill its obligations until the 15th of December when the European Council will take place.

The Cypriot Minister said that in Brussels he met with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oli Rehn with whom he discussed the implementation of the financial aid regulation for the Turkish Cypriots, adding that the Republic of Cyprus has the political will to contribute to the development of the Turkish Cypriots, in line with the laws of Cyprus.

During the meeting with Rehn, Lillikas conveyed the expectations of the government of Cyprus regarding the context of the Commissions progress report on Turkey.

The progress report, he said, should be objective and cover all Turkish commitments, in accordance with the 21 of September, 2005 EU counterstatement on Turkeys unilateral declaration that it does not recognize Cyprus.

The EU counterstatement urged Turkey to implement in full the Customs Union protocol, by opening its ports and airports to Cyprus and called upon Turkey to normalize its relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

We expressed conviction that if Turkey wishes to avoid a crisis and a train crash with the EU, it has enough time, from now until October to respond positively to the commitments it voluntarily undertook. This is the only way to avoid a crisis in Turkeys accession course, the Minister noted.

Lillikas said that for Cyprus, it constitutes a priority that Turkey fulfills its obligations, adding that it is not an end -in -itself to create a crisis in Turkeys accession course.

The government of Cyprus would be very happy if Turkey meets its commitments. But if this is not the case, then surely, it cannot continue unhindered its accession course, he stressed.

Meanwhile, in statements in Brussels after his meeting with Rehn, Lillikas said that the Cypriot governments position on Turkeys accession course remains a supportive one, but not without any preconditions.

Provided that Turkey, not only refuses to meet its EU obligations, but it adopts extreme positions, the Republic of Cyprus will under no circumstances give its consent for the opening of crucial chapters, Lillkas stressed.

The only way to avoid a crisis in this crucial time, until Turkeys progress report, is that the Commission and the Presidency avoid bringing in new negotiating chapters. This period cannot be used to facilitate Turkey by opening or closing new chapters, he said.

Regarding the EU Turkey negotiating chapter on education and culture, which opened some time ago, he said that some countries express disagreement on the possibility that this chapter closes.

The Cypriot Minister also met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Jan Eliasson, whom he briefed on the recent developments on the Cyprus problem as well as on Cyprus positions regarding Turkeys accession course.

In a speech he gave at the General Affairs and Foreign Relations Council in Brussels, Lillikas noted that the EU should support the government of Lebanon in its efforts now for reconstruction of the country and added that the EU should make more steps in helping resolve the Palestinian issue.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey, a country aspiring to become an EU member state, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and refuses to implement the EU-Turkey Customs Union Protocol, by opening its ports and airports to Cyprus.

[02] SPOKESMAN - TURKEY - EU - CYPRUS

Asked whether the government intends to abide by its position that it will not allow the opening of a new negotiating chapter with Turkey, unless Ankara meets its EU obligations, the Spokesman said that this position is clear.

We will not change our position based on any pressures exerted on us, which are against our interests or our rights, he added.

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