Nicosia: Cypriot Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have provided detailed explanations for their decision to abstain from the vote on a European Parliament report concerning Turkey's progress. MEP Fidias Panayiotou stood apart by voting against the report.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Loucas Fourlas, representing the Democratic Rally (DISY) and the European People's Party (EPP), stated that despite the inclusion of over thirty of his amendments aimed at strengthening references to various issues involving Turkey, he chose to abstain. These amendments highlighted concerns such as the Turkish occupation, issues in Varosha, challenges faced by Greek Cypriot students in Rizokarpaso, the "Blue Homeland" doctrine, and Turkey's behavior in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Fourlas expressed his dissatisfaction with the report's potential to further upgrade EU-Turkey relations without Turkey fulfilling its obligations towards Cyprus.
Michalis Hadjipantela, another DISY and EPP MEP, emphasized the report's significance in linking Euro-Turkish relations to respect for Cyprus's sovereignty. Despite acknowledging positive positions within the report, Hadjipantela abstained due to the lack of explicit connections between Turkey's relationship and its obligations to Cyprus. He noted the report's strong language condemning Turkey's actions in Cyprus and the Aegean, but also pointed out its failure to explicitly mention the European acquis in resolving the Cyprus problem.
Costas Mavrides, representing the Democratic Party (DIKO) and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S and D), highlighted both the report's positive references to Cyprus and its negative aspects, such as attributing a strategic role to Turkey in Eurodefence. Mavrides criticized the omission of references to European legal standards and expressed his belief that the EU must impose measures against Turkey.
Geadis Geadi of the National Popular Front (ELAM) and the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, discussed his involvement in shaping the report through amendments. Despite successes, such as the inclusion of language condemning Turkish actions and promoting EU connectivity projects, Geadi abstained due to remaining problematic points in the report concerning EU-Turkey relations.
Giorgos Georgiou, from the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) and the Left Group, shared his efforts to highlight the Cyprus problem within the report. While acknowledging positive elements, Georgiou chose to abstain, criticizing the report's portrayal of Turkey as a strategic partner without corresponding obligations. He argued for Turkey's need to respect international law and contribute to a just solution for Cyprus.