RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
The House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus,
Following with deep concern the recent illegal and provocative actions of Turkey within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus and particularly Turkey’s announcement of the transfer of a platform within the Cyprus EEZ and the reservation of areas for seismic survey, as from 20 October 2014, including blocks where drilling has already begun by companies authorized by the Republic of Cyprus,
Considering in addition Turkey’s unacceptable call on the Republic of Cyprus, “to cooperate” in this context, while Turkey itself continues the illegal occupation of 37 percent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and illegal colonization of the occupied territories for forty years,
Noting that Turkey has been continuously engaging in provocative actions within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, the latest constituting the most serious violation against the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of 1974,
Taking into account that Turkey’s actions in question constitute a flagrant violation of international law and more specifically of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982), the main provisions of which are part of customary law and which now also forms of the acquis communautaire,
Pointing out that Turkey is a candidate country for accession to the European Union (EU),
Stressing that Turkey’s actions in question undermine the statehood of the Republic of Cyprus,
Recalling that Cyprus’s sovereign rights in its EEZ, parts of which Turkey has illegally engaged, have been consolidated and delineated with neighbouring states in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention on the Law of the Sea,
Considering all UN resolutions pertaining to Cyprus and the Cyprus problem and the principles and values on which the EU is founded,
Considering the ongoing process to solve the Cyprus problem, which is undermined by the past and latest provocative actions of Turkey,
Taking into account the turbulent and volatile situation in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and noting the stabilizing role that Cyprus plays and should continue to play without hindrance,
Concerned about Turkey general behavior towards both Cyprus and the wider neighbourhood,
Unanimously :
- Condemns Turkey’s aggressive behavior and its violation of the norms of international law and international legality.
- Calls on Turkey to respect the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, to halt its threats against and violations of Cyprus’ EEZ and to abandon whatever schemes it has that endanger peace in the area.
- Calls on the partners of the Republic of Cyprus in the EU, on EU institutions, as well as the international community in general, to exert substantial pressure on Turkey to comply with international law, particularly UN resolutions pertaining to Cyprus, with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982), but also with its Cyprus – related obligations as a candidate stated for membership in the EU.
- Also calls on the partners of the Republic of Cyprus in the EU, EU institutions and the international community in general, to adopt measures and sanctions against Turkey, if the latter continues to engage in the said threats and violations.
9 October 2014