The European Union remains committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, European Commission President Ursula von der Layen said in response to a letter from DISY & EPP MEP Luca Fourla on Turkey's illegal actions in Varosia and the West Bank. in the Cyprus issue.
"In this context, Turkey's commitment and contribution to a peaceful settlement remains vital. "We will continue to support this position in all our political contacts with Turkey."
On the issue of Varos, the EU President unequivocally condemned the unilateral actions of Turkey and the unacceptable statements, as he characterized them, of the President of Turkey and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in July 2021, regarding the further opening of Varos.
"The EU has also called for an immediate withdrawal of these measures and the lifting of all measures taken against Varosha since October 2020. Attempts to settle any part of Varosha by individuals other than their inhabitants are unacceptable. and which call for the administration of this region to pass to the United Nations ".
Ms. von der Leyen added that no action should be taken in relation to Varos which is not in line with these decisions.
"I would also like to remind you that in 2019 the EU Council, in solidarity with Cyprus, adopted a framework of restrictive measures in response to Turkey's provocative actions and illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. "Currently, two Turkish citizens are still on the list of persons subject to this framework of sanctions."
In addition, the EU President notes in her reply letter, the Council decided to suspend negotiations with Turkey on the overall aviation agreement, not to hold the EU-Turkey Association Council at this time, as well as other meetings in the dialogue approve the Commission proposal to reduce pre-accession assistance to Turkey by 2020 and call on the European Investment Bank to reconsider its lending activities in Turkey, in particular with regard to government securities lending.
Source: sigmalive.com