Commission: Cyprus has the right to conclude bilateral agreements

Cyprus as a sovereign state has the right to conclude international agreements with third countries, according to the acquis communautaire and the international law, a European Commission official pointed out during the EU-Turkey Association Committee’s 115th meeting held Thursday in Brussels.

EU sources told CNA that this position as outlined by the European Commission official was rejected by a Turkish diplomat, who claimed that the Republic of Cyprus does not represent Turkish Cypriots and cannot conclude bilateral agreements.

The Commission called on Turkey to cooperate so that contact between air traffic control centres of Cyprus and Turkey can be established for the sake of flights and passengers. The Turkish side appeared negative on this issue as well, stating that Turkey only recognises the airports, operating illegally, in the Turkish-occupied parts of Cyprus.

The Commission also called on Turkey to stop vetoing Cyprus‘ the participation in international organizations, an issue also rejected by the Turkish side, which implied that Turkey will continue to follow this tactic.

The Turkish diplomat was also negative regarding the implementation of the Customs Union between Turkey and the ten new EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, something which would demand the opening of Turkish ports and airports to Cypriot airplanes and vessels.

The Republic of Cyprus has already signed bilateral agreements with Egypt and Lebanon regarding their exclusive economic zones. Cyprus launched on February 15, 2007, the 1st Licensing Round Offshore Cyprus for the grant of hydrocarbon exploration and development licenses, a move which triggered the reactions of Turkey.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey, a country aspiring to become an EU member state, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and refuses to implement the EU-Turkey Customs Union Protocol, which provides for the opening of its ports and airports to Cyprus.