Answer given by Mr Rehn on behalf of the Commission

27.1.2010

The Commission is aware of the Turkish flag on Mount Pentadaktylos in the northern part of Cyprus and fully understands the sensitivities of the Greek Cypriot community in this respect. The Commission would welcome any initiative of the Turkish Cypriot community to remedy the situation and will make enquiries to the Turkish Cypriot community about possible environmental damage.

This issue once again highlights the urgent need for a rapid solution to the Cyprus problem. The Commission commends the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities for their political leadership in the negotiations to find a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem and welcomes the progress made so far in the negotiations.

The Commission is ready to contribute to this Cyprus-driven process with its expertise on issues within its competence when so requested by the negotiating parties or the United Nations. The EU has a strong interest in bringing to an end one of the oldest conflicts on European soil and counts on Turkey also to play a supportive role regarding the settlement talks.