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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 5

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

59 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's views on the current position in regard to Cyprus; his further views on whether a permanent solution can be built on full compliance with UN resolutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26522/02]

John Deasy

Question:

102 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Cyprus. [26509/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 102 together.

It is a matter of regret that the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus were not able to move forward at Copenhagen last week on the basis of the UN Secretary General's amended proposals. As the House is aware, the Copenhagen European Council decided that, as the accession negotiations have been completed with Cyprus, it will be admitted as a new member state of the European Union on 1 May 2004. In the absence of a settlement on the island, the application of the EU acquis will be suspended on the northern part of the island. However, the Council confirmed its strong preference for the accession of a united Cyprus.

The European Council welcomed the commitment of both sides to continue to negotiate with the objective of concluding a comprehensive settlement by 28 February 2003 on the basis of the UN Secretary General's proposals. If a settlement can be reached, it would still be feasible for a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union on 1 May 2004. I very much hope that such an outcome will be possible.

The European Council believes that the UN Secretary General's proposals offer a unique opportunity for the two communities to reach a settlement, and urged the leaders of the two communities to seize this opportunity. I also believe that the proposal can provide the basis for a lasting solution, which would we be in the interests of all parties.

There is a window of opportunity for the parties to reach a settlement in the remaining few months before the EU Treaty of Accession for Cyprus is signed. Difficult decisions lie ahead, and both parties will be required to compromise on some long-established positions, but all sides have more to gain from a settlement than they do from the status quo on the island.

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