Europese Commissie treft voorbereidingen voor uitbreiding EU met een verenigd Cyprus (en)
As foreseen by the Accession Treaty, the European Commission today proposed to adapt the terms of the accession of Cyprus with a view to welcoming a united island on 1 May 2004. However, such re-unification will only be possible if both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities approve the comprehensive settlement presented by the United Nations at the separate referenda scheduled for 24 April.
Commenting on the proposal, Commissioner for Enlargement Günter Verheugen said: "During the talks that took place last week in Switzerland, the parties were very close to a deal. We have reached a point now where strong political leadership is required and I urge the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to do all they can to convince the people of the island that the plan on the table is the best and most balanced solution that could be reached. The question is not a choice between this plan and another, it is between this plan or no solution at all for a very long time. With today's proposal, the Commission has made the necessary preparation in view of welcoming a united Cyprus on the 1st of May, which has always been the strong preference of the EU".
On 31 March 2004, UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan submitted to the parties concerned the finalised "Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem". His proposal shall be submitted for approval at separate simultaneous referenda in both Cypriot communities on 24 April 2004 as already agreed by all parties in New York on 13 February 2004. After successful outcomes of the referenda a reunited island would join the European Union.
It should be recalled that the European Council has repeatedly expressed its readiness to accommodate the terms of a settlement in line with the principles on which the European Union is founded.
In the event of settlement, the Accession Treaty foresees a special procedure for the adaptations to the terms concerning the accession of Cyprus to the European Union with regard to the Turkish Cypriot community. The legal basis for the attached draft Act of Adaptation is Article 4 Protocol No. 10 of the Act of Accession.
The proposed act accommodates the terms of the settlement and recognises the particular national identity of Cyprus and the need to protect the overall balance between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. It takes account of large economic disparities between the (future) Cypriot constituent states and the economic situation in the (future) Turkish Cypriot constituent state in general.
The act also takes account of the special relations of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots with Greece and Turkey respectively. It should be stressed that the draft act does not include permanent derogations from the acquis, but only transitional periods.
The finalised comprehensive settlement ensures that the United Cyprus Republic is able to speak with one voice and to fully participate in the EU's decision-making process, and that the acquis is properly applied and enforced on the island.
In case of a reunification, federal and constituent state elections will be held on 13 June 2004, together with the elections for the European Parliament.
As promised, the Commission will organise on the 15th of April in Brussels a high level meeting to prepare a donor's conference with the aim to finance the housing needs resulting from the implementation of the comprehensive settlement.
Annex: Main elements of the draft Act
The draft act contains the following main elements:
The Turkish Cypriot state may require, on a non-discriminatory basis, permissions for the acquisition of immovable property until it has reached a level of 85 % of the GDP of the Greek Cypriot state, not exceeding however a period of 15 years. During this transitional period of maximal 15 years there is no prohibition to acquire property, but an authorisation procedure may be applied on published, objective, stable and transparent criteria and in a non-discriminatory manner. The Commission shall report every five years and may recommend the abolishment of the restrictions.
The right of Cypriot citizens to reside in the other constituent state may be restricted ("internal restriction") during a transitional period of up to 19 years
The right of residence in Cyprus of Greek and Turkish nationals may be restricted during a transitional period of up to 19 years
In the event of serious deterioration of the economic situation in the Turkish Cypriot state, appropriate safeguard measures may be taken for a period of three months (only Commission may prolong the measures).
Rules of implementation of special entry and residence rights for Turkish nationals, compatible with the principle of equal treatment of Greek and Turkish nationals and participation of Cyprus in the Schengen area, shall be negotiated between the Community and Turkey within six months.
Turkish shall be an official language upon fulfilment of the necessary personnel and technical requirements.