11-02-2010
Strasbourg - Speaking during today's European Parliament debate on EU enlargement, Cypriot GUE/NGL MEP Takis Hadjigeorgiou emphasized from the outset that while the GUE/NGL group supports Turkish accession, it has some key concerns. “Finding a real political solution to the Kurdish question, recognition of the Armenian genocide, the normalization of its relations with neighbouring countries, safeguarding labour rights and of course the removal of the occupation of Cyprus, are some of the issues facing Turkey," he said. According to the MP, Turkey has to immediately and fully comply with the Ankara Protocol as stated in the Council Conclusions. “Turkey's flouting of international law prevents the Republic of Cyprus from exercising its full sovereign rights. Therefore we disagree with the EU's opening of the energy chapter in the accession negotiations. If we want a solution to the Cyprus problem we need to be clear and candid in highlighting the responsibility of Turkey." The leftwing EU fraction European United Left / Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) has good connection with Kurdish organizations and supports the yearly conference on Turkey, Kurds and the EU of the EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) in the European parliament. © Rudaw
