Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
57. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to Turkish interference in the affairs of the island of Cyprus, and the calls by the Turkish President Erdogan for a two-state solution on the island. [38302/20]
View answerThe opening of the fenced-off area in Varosha, and the recent statements of President Erdogan advocating a two-state solution to the Cyprus problem, are backward steps that simply add to tensions in the region. Such actions and statements are particularly regrettable given the ongoing attempts to create the space for dialogue and to resume negotiations for a comprehensive settlement. Ireland and the EU are clear that the only viable solution remains reunification of the island, based on a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation, with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The recent actions and remarks of Turkey on Cyprus also come at a time when Turkey is continuing its activities in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. Ireland has consistently called on Turkey to show restraint, respect the sovereign rights of Cyprus and Greece and refrain from actions that infringe on international law and risk the stability and security of the region. Ireland continues to stand in full solidarity with Cyprus and Greece on this issue.
Ireland is deeply disappointed that Turkey has not taken advantage of the European Council’s recent offer of a positive EU-Turkey political agenda, if it were to cease its illegal activities with regard to Cyprus and Greece, and has instead continued to indulge in provocative actions. While our hope remains that these issues can be resolved through dialogue, if Turkish behaviour does not change, it is clear that further restrictive measures must be on the table at the December European Council.
In terms of the wider EU-Turkey relationship, I would like to see a more stable and constructive relationship develop in the future, particularly given the importance of the relationship to issues such as migration, security and the economy. This would benefit both the EU and Turkey. However, this very much depends on Turkish behaviour, both in terms of its domestic situation and its attitude towards its neighbours.
