Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Miroslav Vlcek has expressed his support to the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus to solve the Cyprus question on the basis of an agreement abiding by the UN relevant resolutions.
In an interview with CNA, on the occasion of the official visit of Cyprus House President Marios Garoyian to the Czech Republic, Vlcek expressed his disappointment over the stance of Turkey concerning exploratory surveys for hydrocarbon reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as over recent statements by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Brussels concerning the “Nabucco” pipeline and the accession of his country to the EU.
Vlcek said the level of relations between the Czech Republic and Cyprus is high, noting that Cyprus is an ideal tourist destination.
“We are glad by the fact that both countries are members of the EU, since the Union will offer us even more potentials of mutual cooperation in various fields. Mainly in the sector of trade exchanges I see a series of unused potentials,” he said adding that on the other hand the growing number of Czech tourists will contribute not only to the deepening of the friendly relations but also to the improvement of business interests.
Asked about the Cyprus problem, Vlcek said that he has been following developments in the Cyprus question and that he knows that there is no magic formula for its settlement.
“I understand that the Republic of Cyprus wants to reach a settlement on the basis of a settlement between the two communities. That is why I supported last September the resumption of diplomatic negotiations, hoping that both sides will reach an agreement that will abide by the UN Security Council relevant decisions,” he added.
The Czech politician noted that he realizes that there are some sensitive issues as the withdrawal of the Turkish troops, the status of approximately 150, 000 settlers from Turkey and the Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied part of the island, for which more time is needed.
Vlcek said that the Greek Cypriot side wants to reunite the island in a framework of a bizonal federation while the Turkish Cypriots pursue the ex post de facto recognition of their puppet regime and a federation based on two equal states with the same political status.
He expressed the belief that the gap between a functional federation and a form of a loose federation can be bridged if both sides show the necessary political will.
Vlcek said that if the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side want the Czech EU Presidency to play an intermediary role then the Presidency would be able to respond to this role. He expressed however the belief that during the Presidency there will not be any great development since “elections” will take place in Cyprus Turkish occupied areas while European elections will take place in the Republic of Cyprus in June as in all other EU member states.
Invited to comment statements by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Ankara will re-examine its participation to the project for the planned Nabucco pipeline and the channeling of natural gas, if the Union does not exert pressure on the Republic of Cyprus to give its consent for the opening of the chapter on energy, in the framework of Turkey’s EU accession negotiations, Vlcek said he considered it unacceptable to link political issues with the delicate issue of the European energy security, adding the EU must not accept such extortions.
Asked about the Czech EU Presidency, Vlcek noted that his country had to confront the major crises as soon as it took over the EU Presidency, the Russian-Ukranian conflict and the situation in Gaza.
