EDP is very much concerned about the current situation in Cyprus and the fact that Turkey did not make any positive move towards the immediate recognition of the Republic of Cyprus and the application of the Protocol for the Customs and Trade Cooperation with all ten new EU member states and in particular with the Republic of Cyprus. EDP declares that Turkey, a candidate for EU membership, must withdraw all Turkish troops and settlers from Cyprus and cooperate for a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. The solution must be found by respecting and applying the fundamental principles on which international law and the European Union are founded: these are in brief, the peaceful settlement of disputes; the sovereignty, independence and equality of states; the prohibition of aggression and the non-recognition of its consequences; and respect for human rights, liberty, democracy and the rule of  law.

Both the present state of affairs in Cyprus and the terms of the current Annan Plan are inconsistent with these fundamental principles. It is also essential to arrive at a solution that fully respects the need for the reconciliation of, and cooperation between, the communities and all relevant parties.

Vilnius, 12 November 2005