Brussels, 09/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - In Cyprus on 7-8 April, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle reiterated that there is “no alternative to a fair and overall settlement and to the reunification of Cyprus”. He highlighted “the encouraging situation in the settlement process”, saying that “the atmosphere is very different today compared with in the past”. “This is a unique occasion to put an end to the division of Cyprus”, he added. In Füle's opinion, several elements have changed since his last visit in June 2012 - the regional context is different, as is the economic situation of Cyprus. “The existence of hydrocarbons and the potential income is another game changer. There are studies that clearly indicate the economic benefit Cyprus would experience from being reunited (…). There are estimates that settlement would lead to approximately a doubling of the GDP of the whole island by 2035”, he said. He also underlined the “constructive” role of Turkey in supporting the negotiation process.
Füle recalled that the EU supports the reunification process and will continue to do so. “We are also ready to jointly identify ways to step up our efforts through new measures and instruments once the settlement process has advanced”, he added.
During his visit, Füle met the Greek and Turkish Cypriot negotiators, political representatives
and leaders from the two communities, and also members of civil society - including from the world of business. (CG)