MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus

5.11.2014 - (2014/2921(RSP))

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
pursuant to Rule 123(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Johannes Cornelis van Baalen, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff on behalf of the ALDE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-0211/2014

B8‑0212/2014

European Parliament resolution on the Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus

(2014/2921(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–       having regard to its previous resolutions on Turkey, in particular those of 12 March 2014 on the 2013 progress report on Turkey[1] and of 13 June 2013 on the situation in Turkey[2],

–       having regard to the entry of the Turkish maritime exploration vessel ‘Barbaros’ into the waters of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone on Monday 20 October 2014 and the subsequent decision by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on Tuesday 21 October 2014 to adopt an eight-point plan, sanctioning the Turkish Government for this action, including with a renewed blocking of chapters in the accession negotiations with Turkey and a range of other political and diplomatic measures,

–       having regard to the recent collapse of the UN-led talks for a comprehensive settlement of the division of Cyprus, following moves by Turkey to conduct maritime seismic surveys for oil and gas inside the exclusive economic zone claimed by the Republic of Cyprus,

–       having regard to the fact that Turkey has not recognised the Republic of Cyprus since the division of Cyprus in 1974 and whereas Turkey is not a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which the Republic of Cyprus has signed and ratified,

–       having regard to Rule 123(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.     whereas only a comprehensive settlement of the division of Cyprus, along the established parameters of a bi-communal and bi-zonal federal structure, will guarantee peace, stability and economic advantages for the both the communities;

B.     whereas the stalled talks for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem need to be resumed and whereas continued Turkish support for a negotiated settlement needs to be matched by concrete action to create a climate of confidence between all parties;

C.     whereas the discoveries of large hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean and around Cyprus over the last year should provide further impetus for a political solution to the division of the island and be exploited in ways that are beneficial to both communities in Cyprus;

1.      Calls on the Turkish Government to refrain from any further maritime exploration activities in the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus, to withdraw its ships and to sign and ratify the UNCLOS;

2.      Stresses that the Republic of Cyprus has the full and sovereign right to explore the natural resources within its exclusive economic zone and that the Turkish maritime surveys must be seen as both illegal and provocative;

3.      Calls on the Commission to offer its judicial assistance to the Republic of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, facilitate the signing of the UNCLOS by Turkey, and work towards solutions to the continental shelf dispute in the Aegean and the current conflict with the Republic of Cyprus;

4.      Expresses its continued commitment to and support for the talks, under UN auspices, for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, as reconfirmed by the two leaders in their joint declaration of 11 February 2014; regrets that these talks have now been halted;

5.      Calls on both communities in Cyprus, on Greece and in particular on Turkey to make further efforts to support a speedy resumption of these negotiations, and to refrain from any action or measures which can be regarded as provocative: calls on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to explore ways to support a resumption of the talks and to consider whether any further EU decisions or involvement in these talks would be beneficial;

6.      Underlines the fact that the exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources in the waters of Cyprus will be greatly facilitated by a solution of the division of Cyprus and that a normalisation in relations with Turkey would bring considerable economic gains for Turkey and for both communities in Cyprus;

7.      Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States and the President, Government and Parliament of Turkey.

• [1]  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0235.
• [2]  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0277.