Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-01-28

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRIOT FM EU-TURKEY PARTNERSHIP

[02] CYPRUS MOLDOVA AGREEMENT

[01] CYPRIOT FM EU-TURKEY PARTNERSHIP

The text charts Ankara`s obligations in detail regarding Cyprus, in the form of specific priorities with a two-year implementation timeframe.

Marcoullis said the order of the obligations towards Cyprus was satisfactory, as was the wording used to describe Cyprus-Turkey relations, and singled out the reference to efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

``We hope Turkey will respond positively to the clear calls of the EU27 and will fulfill its obligations to the full, which are a criterion of progress in the accession course,`` Marcoullis pointed out.

On the Cyprus problem, Turkey is called upon to actively support efforts to implement the 8 July 2006 agreement, which will lead to a comprehensive and viable settlement in the UN framework, based on EU principles, including tangible steps towards such a solution.

Marcoullis said that after the December 2007 European Council conclusions, the EU27 once again reaffirmed their dedication to the necessity to implement the 8 July 2006 procedure, and called on Turkey to actively support it as the only basis for the promotion of a comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem.

In the text, the 8 July 2006 agreement is contained in a short-term priority, which should be implemented within two years, and is the best answer to all those in Turkey who believe it should be abandoned or that tight deadlines should be imposed.

Marcoullis noted that through the wording of the specific paragraph it is clear that Turkey is called upon to actively support the process and that the EU member states believe this process could lead to a comprehensive and viable settlement.

The text also sets out a series of other obligations for Turkey concerning Cyprus, such as the implementation of the protocol and the lifting of Turkish restrictions against Cypriot ships and airplanes, reminding that the EU has decided not to open eight chapters and not close any other chapter until Turkey complies.

Furthermore, Turkey is called upon once again to take steps towards normalising its relations with the Republic of Cyprus the soonest possible.

Another clear priority is the necessity for Turkey to comply with the provisions of the Human Rights Treaty, and Ankara is called upon to secure the full implementation of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

The EU27 also call upon Turkey to align its position at international organisations with that of the EU, and that it stops blocking Cyprus` participation in international organisations.

Furthermore, Turkey is obliged to draft an action plan, which will contain the measures it intends to take towards fulfilling all the priorities of the partnership.

On the sidelines of Monday`s meeting, Marcoullis met with her Latvian counterpart Maris Riekstins, with whom she discussed the Cyprus problem, the issue of Kosovo and bilateral matters.

[02] CYPRUS MOLDOVA AGREEMENT

The agreement was signed by Minister of Finance Michalis Sarris and Minister of Finance and Commerce of Moldova Igor Dodon. Both Ministers expressed the common view that the agreement will boost the interest of Cypriot and Moldavian businessmen in investment.

The Moldavian Minister met earlier with Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Michaelides. According to an official press release, Dodon expressed the view that the entry into force of the agreement would bring Cyprus to the top of the list of foreign countries investing in Moldova.

In statements after the signing ceremony, the Cypriot Minister of Finance said, We sign today this important agreement to avoid double taxation and we believe that it will contribute to the enhancement of our commercial and economic relations and assured Moldova that Cyprus will assist Moldova in its EU accession prospect.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article