[01] P>

According to the resolution, the Committee of Ministers stressing the obligation undertaken by all contracting States to abide by the judgements of the Court in accordance with Article 53 of the European Convention on Human Rights;

"Strongly urges Turkey to review its position and to pay the just satisfaction awarded in this case in accordance with the conditions set out by the European Court of Human Rights so as to ensure that Turkey as a High Contracting Party meets its obligations under the Convention".

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Welcoming the resolution, Mr Papandreou pointed out that the decision is an extremely important development from the legal as well as from a political point of view and that it will influence the developments of the Cyprus problem and Turkey's EU accession course.

"All this time we have struggled with the Cyprus government for the respect of human rights and international law, principles on which Greek Foreign policy relies", he said.

In conclusion, Mr Papandreou stressed that Turkey must honour the status of a member state of the Council of Europe and prove by its compliance with the European Court's decision that it wishes to join the large democratic European family.

[03] P>

In a resolution on Turkey adopted yesterday, the European Parliament "urges the Turkish authorities once again to contribute actively to finding a political solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of the acceptance and implementation of the relevant UN resolutions, independently of the uninterrupted continuation of the negotiations on accession to the European Union".

The European Parliament also stresses that "Turkey is still far away from meeting the Copenhagen Criteria", the democratic deficits have still not been eliminated and there remains a need for lasting reform, notably with regard to the rule of law and respect for human and minority rights.

Nevertheless "it reaffirms Turkey's eligibility to apply for membership of the European Union and believes that its membership will be an important contribution to the future development of the European Union and to peace and security in Europe".

The resolution was adopted by 259 votes in favour, 187 against and 84 abstentions.

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During the meeting they discussed the political situation and defence matters.

[05] P>

Mrs Markoulli presented her credentials yesterday to Brazil's President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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