External News & Events

German Parliament calls for an end to Turkish Cypriot Isolation

On Thursday 24 May German MPs from various parties submitted and passed a resolution on the unification of Cyprus and the granting of equal rights to the peoples living on the island. The resolution, titled "Progress for Cyprus – obligation for EU's German Presidency", includes points calling for the removal of the embargoes imposed on the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) and for direct trade between the EU and TRNC to start.

At a joint news conference in Berlin, Lale Akgun, of the Social Democrat Party said the EU must keep their promises and stated that one of the biggest problems in Cyprus was the lack of communication coming from both sides. Ms. Akgun said "Papadopoulos' administration of Southern Cyprus has become member of the EU. As against this, a blockade on the northern part is still in effect. People are poor and live in difficulty."

CDU MP Bernhard Kaster and FDP MP Markus Loning said on their part that the EU must keep its promises, indicating that Greek Cypriot party should also launch initiatives in this respect. Greens MP Rainder Steenblock said fragmentation of Cyprus contradicted European values, noting that the spirit of Europe foresaw living in peace.

Although not binding on the German government, the Deputy Foreign Minister, who was present at the debate, made it clear that his government shared the Bundestag’s views on the need to support North Cyprus, speaking of a “coincidence of opinions” between government and Parliament.

The government of the Greek Cypriot administered Republic of Cyprus is opposed to the resolution. Ambassador to Germany Leonidas Markides has sent a letter to the office of the Bundestag presidency contesting the lifting of the TRNC’s economic isolation be included in the resolution.



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