The Turkey progress report prompted five Cypriot Members of the European Parliament to explain why they abstained during the vote in the European Parliament.
The sixth Cypriot MEP, Fidias Panayiotou, voted against the report.
The abstaining MEPs said they supported several elements contained in the report but raised concerns over sections dealing with EU-Turkey relations and the obligations of Ankara towards Cyprus.
Concerns over EU-Turkey relations
MEP and European People’s Party member Loucas Fourlas said that more than 30 of his amendments had been included in the final text, strengthening references to the Turkish occupation, Varosha, issues affecting trapped Greek Cypriot students in Rizokarpaso, the “Blue Homeland” doctrine and Turkish actions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
However, he stated that the report still left open the possibility of further upgrading EU-Turkey relations without Turkey first fulfilling its obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus.
“I cannot agree to granting new privileges or additional benefits to Turkey while the occupation of European territory continues,” he said.
Michalis Hadjipantela also said the report contained positive references regarding Cyprus, but argued that it lacked an explicit link between EU-Turkey relations and Turkey’s obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus.
Positive references and remaining objections
MEP Costas Mavrides said the report included several important references relating to issues concerning Cyprus and developments inside Turkey, including matters relating to Turkish troops, settlers, missing persons and the protection of cultural heritage in the occupied areas.
However, he said he had concerns over references to Turkey’s strategic role in European defence and possible upgrades to EU-Turkey trade relations without prior recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.
Geadis Geadi noted that the report contained strong language against Ankara and included positive points resulting from amendments submitted by his political group, including calls for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus and an end to provocations.
He added, however, that problematic sections remained in the report, leading to the decision to abstain.
Concerns raised over obligations
AKEL MEP George Georgiou said efforts had been made to ensure the report reflected core aspects of the Cyprus issue, including support for a bicommunal, bizonal federation and the rejection of a two-state solution.
Despite these points, he said the report described Turkey as a significant strategic partner while promoting further cooperation.
He argued that Turkey should not receive the benefits of a special relationship with the EU without corresponding obligations relating to democracy, international law and progress towards a Cyprus settlement.
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