The EU Commission’s 2015 Progress Report for Turkey emphasises Ankara’s “support for the solution of the Cyprus problem” and describes the continuation of Turkey’s contribution and commitment to the comprehensive solution as crucial.
The report refers also to UN Secretary- General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide’s efforts in the negotiations.
In the paragraph for Cyprus, it is said that Turkey has not fulfilled its obligations regarding the full and undiscriminating implementation of the Additional Protocol and has not lifted the obstacles for the free movement of goods within the framework of direct trade with Cyprus. It is also underlined that no progress has been achieved towards the normalisation of Turkey’s relations with the Republic of Cyprus. It is noted that no chapter in Turkey’s negotiations with the EU will be temporarily closed if Ankara does not confirm that it fully implements the Additional Protocol.
Referring to the property issue in Cyprus, the report says that the Property Compensation Commission (IPC) has paid 238 million euro to date, that 6,216 applications have been filed with the Commission and that 321 of these applications were filed in the period from June 2014 – August 2015. It also notes that within the same period, the IPC decided to pay compensation in 140 cases.
As regards the political situation in Turkey, the report underlines that the reforms for political criteria have slowed down and practices contrary to the rule of law, the freedom of expression and parliamentarian freedom continue.
Kibris Gazetesi
