Resolution 1376 (2004)1
Cyprus
1. The Parliamentary Assembly is profoundly
disappointed by the failure, following the massive “no” vote by the
Greek Cypriot community, of the international community’s efforts to end
the division of Cyprus and enable the two Cypriot communities to join the European
Union together on 1 May 2004. However, it respects the choice made by the Greek
Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots in separate and simultaneous referenda. It
understands that more time may be needed for the Greek Cypriot population to
gain confidence and develop trust in the new, more positive attitude of the
Turkish Cypriots, and of Turkey.
2. It pays tribute to Mr Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations,
and his colleagues, who have made a tremendous contribution towards achieving
a settlement of the Cyprus problem.
3. It pays tribute to the Turkish Cypriots, who supported the Annan Plan
by an overwhelming majority, thus opting for a future in Europe. The international
community, and in particular the Council of Europe and the European Union,
cannot ignore or betray the expressed desire of a majority of Turkish Cypriots
for greater openness and should take rapid and appropriate steps to encourage
it. The Turkish Cypriots’ international isolation must cease.
4. The Assembly therefore welcomes the support expressed by several European
political leaders for financial assistance for the Turkish Cypriots and an
easing of the international sanctions against them. The United Nations should
also consider whether the resolutions on which the sanctions are based are
still justified.
5. The Assembly considers it unfair for the Turkish Cypriot community, which
has expressed clear support for a reunited and European Cyprus, to continue
to be denied representation in the European political debate. Such continued
isolation may help strengthen the positions of those who are opposing a unified
Cyprus.
6.The Assembly therefore decides to associate more closely elected representatives
of the Turkish Cypriot community in the work of the Parliamentary Assembly
and its committees, beyond the framework of Assembly Resolution
1113 (1997) on the situation in Cyprus and integrate them into
the Cypriot delegation.
1. Assembly
debate on 29 April 2004
(15th Sitting) (see Doc.
10161, report of the Political Affairs
Committee, rapporteur: Mr Eörsi; and Doc.
10164, opinion of the Committee
on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, rapporteur: Mr
Jurgens).
Text adopted by the Assembly on 29 April 2004 (15th Sitting).
