Brussels, 28/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - MEPs are concerned at the rise in tension between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus in the dispute over oil and gas exploration by Cyprus. They condemn Turkey's threats over both the exploration and Cyprus' taking over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. They state their “solidarity” with Cyprus, stressing that a threat against any member state was a threat against the whole EU. Georgios Koumoutsakos (EPP, Greece) called on Turkey to accept that the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the EU.
Calling for a swift end to the conflict, MEPs make clear that the Republic of Cyprus has every right to conduct exploration for natural resources in its own economic zone. Hélène Flautre (Greens/EFA, France) suggested that the oil and gas resources would benefit both communities on the island.
The Parliament, and also High Representative Catherine Ashton and Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle pointed out the growing importance of Turkey as a player in the region and the responsibilities that this brings. “Turkey is stoking the conflict. This is not acceptable”, said Hannes Swoboda (S&D, Austria). The commissioner noted that disputes should be settled through peaceful means, calling for restraint from both sides when UN negotiations on reunification of the island are at a critical point. (CG/transl.rt)