The text of the conclusions of the extraordinary April Summit includes two long paragraphs for Turkey.
This first text, to which Euronews gained access, is very positive for Cyprus and Greece, since it includes all the demands of the Greek side: the reference to previous decisions of the Summit, to the gradual and reversible implementation of the positive measures and with special mention in Cyprus. The leaders will also pledge that the EU will play an active role in the Cyprus resolution process.
It is most likely that the text will change, however the starting point from which the discussion on the paragraphs starts, in the text of the conclusions of the Summit is positive for Greece and Cyprus.
"The European Council held a strategic discussion on EU-Turkey relations, taking into account the reports of the High Representative and the Commission on the state of Euro-Turkish relations at the political, economic and commercial level," the text reads.
The leaders call for "work to proceed on the joint communication in line with previous European Council conclusions and in a gradual, proportionate and reversible manner, subject to further guidance from the European Council".
Recalling the previous conclusions, the European Council "remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, within the framework of the UN, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and in accordance with the principles on which the EU is based and the acquis".
The EU also welcomes the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin as the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Cyprus.
"The European Union is ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all the appropriate means at its disposal. The EU attaches great importance to resuming progress in the Cyprus settlement talks, which can also strengthen EU-Turkey cooperation," the text of the conclusions stressed.
It is certain that difficult negotiations will follow in order to arrive at the final choice of words and expressions for the text, with countries such as Germany trying to emphasize the positive messages to Ankara. The discussion that will take place between the leaders on April 17 or 18 in Brussels will also be decisive.
Source: Euronews.gr