Speech by Commissioner Štefan Füle
A unique opportunity to put an end to division
This is
the text of the speech made last night (Monday) by European
Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood
Policy Štefan Füle at a dinner
with representatives from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot
communities
Good evening - kalispera - iyi ak şamlar!
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am very happy to be back on the island, nearly two
years after my second visit in June 2012. It is a pleasure to see so many
familiar faces and I thank you for accepting my invitation to this dinner.
Please allow me to offer some introductory remarks
before we engage in less formal discussions. I would like to focus on the
encouraging situation in the settlement process. I feel that the mood is very
different these days compared with past periods. This is a unique opportunity to
put an end to the division of Cyprus and I look forward to discussing with you
how we can all contribute.
The circumstances have changed since my last
visit:
The regional context is different - regional stability
is no longer something that can easily be taken for granted as the sad example
of Syria shows;
We have seen Europe and in particular Cyprus going
through a difficult time with regard to economic developments. 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, let me just mention some:
There are no doubts that settlement would lead to major
investments in many areas, be it in the building sector, the tourism or other
business areas.
There are estimates that settlement would lead to
approximately a doubling of the GDP of the whole island by 2035.
Turkey is playing a constructive role to support the
negotiation process and further close relations between Cyprus and Turkey could
open up other opportunities both for Turkey and for Cyprus. A settlement would
open the Turkish market for Cyprus and the EU market for Turkish Cypriots. The
construction of an energy pipeline to Turkey could be possible.
I would like to discuss with you today the role the
European Union can play in this context to support the UN led talks which
resumed in February thanks to the courage of the leaders. The agreed Joint
Declaration is a significant milestone. The European Union would like to support
this process, and I would like to mention some of the aspects of European Union
support:
First, President Barroso's Personal Representative
Pieter van Nuffel has been contributing actively in a way that allows both
communities to draw directly from the Commission's expertise as Guardian of the
Treaties. He will be even more present to support the Communities in the months
ahead.
Second, the Commission will step up its efforts to help
the Turkish Cypriot Community prepare for implementation of the acquis. The 2006
Aid Regulation establishing the European Union assistance programme for the
Turkish Cypriot community already provides a solid and broad basis for that and
I am here to discuss with all partners the best way to proceed.
Third, it will be important to ensure that following a
settlement, the European Union can count on an efficient and effective reunited
Cyprus as a Member State fulfilling its acquis commitments. We are also ready to
jointly identify ways to step up our efforts through new measures and
instruments once the settlement process has advanced.
I had meetings earlier today with the two community
leaders and I came away with the feeling that they share our understanding of
the need to do more. We now have to identify a way to move forward in a manner
that all involved feel comfortable with.
On this occasion let me mention the important
contribution civil society has made and will still make to the settlement
process. The business community has supported the process with a strong public
presence through joint statements and initiatives. You showed a shared approach
to accepting challenges and transforming them into opportunities; and you took
the strong position that words alone are not enough. They need to be translated
into action.
A number of other Civil Society actors have also shown
strong commitment, be it those involved in bi-communal activities at
municipality level or the different religious leaders. I hope that you will keep
up your good cooperation and efforts.
I am looking forward to our discussion on how we can
make change happen and ensure it is sustainable.
