The European Commission has called on Turkey to cease all threats and actions that harm good neighbourly relations, normalise its relations with the Republic of Cyprus and respect the sovereign rights of all member states, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a written reply to a question by Cypriot MEP Demetris Papadakis.

According to a statement by the MEP, Papadakis asked the Commission to take measures to protect the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, following the provocative actions of the Turkish-occupying forces in the so-called “buffer zone” in Agios Dometios.

At the same time, it is added, Borrell assured that the European Union remains fully committed to resolving the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality.

In his statement, Papadakis referred to Borrell’s written reply, who said that the European Commission has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and has called on Turkey to fully respect international law, de-escalate tensions, in the interest of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and promote good neighbourly relations in a sustainable way.

Borrell added that “the EU remains fully committed to resolving the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and on the basis of the principles on which the EU is founded and the EU acquis”.

He added that in June 2023, the European Council reaffirmed its commitment in this direction.

In his response, the High Representative concludes that “the EU continues to defend its interests and those of its member states, calling on Turkey to cease all threats and actions that harm good neighbourly relations, to normalise its relations with the Republic of Cyprus and to respect the sovereign rights of all member states”.