The first draft for the conclusions of the European Council that will take place on April 17th and 18th in Brussels includes references to EU – Turkey relations, and particularly of promoting steps included in a relevant report by HRVP Borrell and the Commission ‘in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner’, which would be ‘subject to additional guidance from the European Council as needed’, the Cyprus News Agency learned.
According to the draft, the 27 leaders are expected to discuss have a discussion on the Joint Communication by HRVP Borrell and the Commission on all aspects of EU – Turkey relations, which includes steps that can be taken as part of a positive agenda. Cyprus has said, as pointed out by President Christodoulides in meetings on the margins of the last summit (March 21st – 22nd), that the country wants progress in EU – Turkey relations, but that it should be connected with progress regarding the Cyprus Problem.
According to the draft, which will be the basis of consultations ahead of t
he summit, the leaders are expected to say that the European Council ‘held a strategic debate on EU – Trkiye relations, taking note of the Communication of the High Representative and Commission on the state of play of EU – Trkiye political, economic and trade relations’.
The 27 are also expected to request for ‘work to be taken forward on the joint communication in line with previous European Council conclusions and in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner subject to additional guidance from the European Council as needed’.
EUCO will also recall previous conclusions and reiterate that it ‘remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis’.
In the draft, the EU ‘welcomes the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuéllar as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus’ and adds that it is ‘ready to play an active role in s
upporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal’.
‘The European Union attaches considerable importance to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks which can also enhance EU – Trkiye cooperation’ according to the text.
Source: Cyprus News Agency