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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 1

Written Answers. - EU Accession.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

98 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the preparations being made by Cyprus for accession to the European Union. [30394/03]

Accession negotiations with the Republic of Cyprus were completed at the Copenhagen European Council in December 2002 and the accession treaty was signed on 16 April 2003. Together with the nine other accession states, Cyprus will join the European Union on 1 May 2004. The Copenhagen European Council expressed its strong preference for the accession to the EU of a united Cyprus.

The Government believes that the accession on 1 May 2004 offers an historic opportunity for the achievement of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question, based on the proposals presented by the UN Secretary General. Following the failure of UN-sponsored negotiations in the Hague in March this year, Secretary General Annan stated that he would not resume the process until all parties demonstrated the political will necessary for a successful outcome. The Government believes that there will be a possibility for movement following the elections in northern Cyprus on 14 December. It is essential that all parties, in particular Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriot leadership, commit themselves to re-engaging seriously in negotiations based on the Annan plan. I remain convinced that a just, viable and functional settlement can be found in time to enable the accession of a united Cyprus. It will involve difficult compromises on all sides, but is in the interests of all the people of the island.
During Ireland's EU Presidency, we will offer Secretary General Annan every support in his mission of good offices. The European Union has affirmed its willingness to accommodate the terms of a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. If a settlement is reached, the Union is ready to provide financial assistance for the development of the northern part of Cyprus. If a settlement is not reached in time, the application of the Union's laws and regulations to the northern part of the island will be suspended.
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