EP: The Only Solution in Cyprus Is Federation

The report also highlighted Turkey's deep regression in human rights and democracy, with increasing pressure on progressive Turkish Cypriots being part of this trend. It clearly stated that Turkey had failed to address its "fundamental democratic deficiencies." The suppression of opposition voices, mass arrests, crackdowns on peaceful protests, and political moves against figures like Ekrem İmamoğlu were strongly criticized.

The report stressed that the current government is pushing the country towards an entirely authoritarian model, with the EU membership criteria (democracy, rule of law, human rights, minority rights) being violated by Turkey.

The European Parliament showed the strongest and clearest stance on Cyprus. The solution to the Cyprus issue must be based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality. A firm position was taken against Turkey's insistence on a two-state solution. The call to return to the stalled negotiations in Crans-Montana was reiterated, and Turkey was urged to withdraw its troops and avoid steps that would alter the island's demographic structure.

The European Parliament also raised concerns about Turkey’s harassment and silencing of Turkish Cypriot journalists, unionists, human rights defenders, and progressive citizens, noting that such pressure clearly violated freedom of expression. Additionally, Turkey was urged to stop its aggressive policy of selling and exploiting Greek Cypriot properties, which disregarded European Court of Human Rights rulings.

The report condemned Turkey's actions in line with the "Blue Homeland" doctrine, which violates the sovereignty of Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. It criticized illegal drilling activities, violations of Greek airspace, and the ongoing “casus belli” decision, which threatens war. The Turkey-Libya maritime boundary agreement was also deemed invalid, infringing on third parties' rights.

Turkey’s reopening of Varosha (Maraş) was again condemned, with the report stating that this action destabilized the situation on the ground and weakened hopes for a solution. The report called for the return of Varosha to its legal owners in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and for the withdrawal from Strovilia. Respect for the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force and the status of the buffer zone was also emphasized.

Despite these harsh criticisms, the European Parliament acknowledged the aspirations of large sections of Turkish society, particularly the youth, for democracy and European values. While the membership process is officially frozen, the report concluded that this hope should not be entirely abandoned.

Source: Yenidüzen