The plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg approved a recommendation on Wednesday calling for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus and the resumption of negotiations for a settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
The report, adopted ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September, was addressed to the Council of the European Union, the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Fate of the missing
The recommendation was approved with 369 votes in favour, 160 against and 112 abstentions. It calls on EU institutions to reaffirm the European Union’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all states in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
Particular reference was made to the Republic of Cyprus, with MEPs stating that the continued presence of Turkish troops on its territory constitutes a violation of international law and fundamental human rights.
In this context, the Parliament called for the immediate and full withdrawal of Turkish forces, the safeguarding of the right of return for all refugees and clarification regarding the fate of missing persons.
Bizonal bicommunal federation
The report also stressed the need for the swift resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue within the United Nations framework, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality and in line with relevant UN resolutions.
The European Parliament additionally called for respect for the status of the Green Line and the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus, while expressing support for the work of UN and EU envoys.
On the international dimension, the report emphasised the importance of multilateral cooperation centred on the United Nations, as well as the defence of international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, the non-use of force and the protection of human rights.
It also highlighted the need to respond to coercive diplomacy practices and actions that undermine the rules-based international order.
War crimes in Ukraine
The Parliament further called for strengthening the role of multilateral organisations in addressing global challenges including climate change, migration flows, the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, pandemics, terrorism and organised crime.
In the chapter on peace and security, MEPs reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine and called for a full ceasefire aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on international law.
The report also referred to the need for accountability for war crimes and the return of abducted children, civilians and prisoners of war.
Greenland's sovereignty
In addition, the report addressed the geopolitical significance of the Arctic, expressing concern over rising tensions and military activity in the region. It stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the right to self-determination of Greenland’s population.
The European Parliament also called on the EU and its partners to strengthen cooperation to ensure stability in the Arctic region, in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
Source: CNA
