on the Cyprus Issue

 1. The Cyprus Issue remains unresolved, following the result of the referenda on the Annan Plan.

 2.We, the European Greens support a solution to the Cyprus issue that will:

• Be viable and long lasting

• Respect the basic rights of the people of Cyprus, as these are safeguarded in the European Constitution

• Demilitarize the island

• Dismantle all foreign military bases, and,

• Reunite its people.

  3.It is now urgent to enhance the efforts that would bring the two communities together and get over the disappointment of not reaching a solution last April.

  4.The European Greens support the efforts of the EU to provide financial support to the Turkish Cypriots and bring an end to their economic isolation. However the European Greens wish to ensure a sustainable development on the island, which is especially threatened by hasty and mass tourism development. Furthermore the property rights of refugees should be ensured and European citizens must be informed that the selling and buying of property in the occupied area is illegal, unless the rightful owners have given their consent.

   5.Turkey should take the necessary steps in order to start the process of Recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, in the perspective of Turkeys’ accession to the EU

   6.The EU, Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus should indicate a positive perspective towards a sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem and describe a time schedule for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops.  The Cyprus government should not stand in the way of Turkeys’ EU accession path.

    7.The European Greens identify that several environmental problems on the island, such as soil degradation from disused quarries, sea pollution, loss of biodiversity, unrestricted tourism development and intensive agriculture all over Cyprus need immediate action, which can only be successfully addressed by initiatives of the European Union and especially the Green Group.