Economische ontwikkeling Turks Cyprus: EU reserveert 139 mln euro (en)

Clear, tangible benefit for the Turkish Cypriot community

Brussels, 27 February 2006 - The General Affairs Council today adopted the regulation establishing financial support for the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community which has been under negotiation since July 2004.

This represents a breakthrough in a complex dossier after more than one and a half years of negotiations and several failed attempts by previous presidencies. The decision releases resources amounting to 139 million euros for the Turkish Cypriot community, which will be used to improve the economy of the northern part of the island. 

"This financial support regulation will bring a clear, tangible benefit for the population in their daily lives. We have thereby also honoured our commitment as EU to the Turkish Cypriot community", Foreign Minister Plassnik declared. Intensive discussions with Federal Chancellor Schüssel and Foreign Minister Plassnik during last week's visit by the Cypriot President Papadopoulos to Vienna played an important part in bringing this solution about.

"This could also be a positive contribution to getting the ongoing UN-sponsored process moving again. It is in all of our interest to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus conflict that is acceptable to both sides", Plassnik stressed.