The European Union welcomes the
agreement announced today by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders on a
Joint Declaration, which lays a solid foundation for resumption of negotiations
for a fair and viable comprehensive settlement of the long-standing Cyprus
problem. This Joint Declaration should help them to swiftly address matters of
substance and to achieve rapid results in the negotiations. President Barroso
and President Van Rompuy congratulate and salute the courage the two leaders
have shown in agreeing it.
At the time of accession of
Cyprus, the European Union declared its readiness to accommodate the terms of a
settlement in line with the principles on which the Union is founded. As
previously announced, the European Commission is keen to play its part in
supporting the negotiations, conducted under UN auspices and to offer all the
support the parties and the UN find most useful. As the negotiations resume,
President Barroso's personal representative will contribute actively to the
search for constructive solutions in compliance with the EU acquis to overcome
outstanding problems. In parallel, the European Commission will also step up its
efforts to help the Turkish Cypriot Community prepare for implementation of the
acquis.
The European Union also supports
the efforts to reach an agreement between the two parties on a package of
Confidence-Building Measures which can help to create momentum towards a
settlement to the benefit of Cypriot people. The European Union stands ready to
look creatively at how to contribute to this objective in the prospects of a
final settlement.
