EDP believes that the current negotiations taking place in Nicosia for the solution to the Cyprus problem should be seen in the context of the following principles:
o The solution should be compatible with the european acquis and based on the European values and principles as well as the human rights and UN resolutions.
o The solution should be just, democratic, workable and viable.
o No intervention rights should be vested in any foreign country. The existing mechanism of guarantees in Cyprus, which emanates from the 1960 agreement, is anachronistic and should be abolished, as Cyprus is part of the EU which has the proper institutions to provide adequate guarantees for a country-member of the EU.

EDP is stongly in favour of EU’s closer involvement in the procedures towards the solution to the problem. This will, inter-alia, ensure that the european principles of abolishing artificial divisions are respected, so that both Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots live together in a united island without any ethnic or other segregation. EDP promises to support and promote a european solution in all the european institutions and, in particular, in the European Parliament. 

Regarding Turkey’s accession negotiations, EDP believes that the Turkish occupation in Cyprus should cease and that the Republic of Cyprus, being a member of the EU, should be recognized by Turkey.  Turkey should take all necessary actions to implement this in practice. 

Following its smooth accession to the Eurozone, Cyprus has an important role to play in contributing towards the strengthening of the European institutions and the protection of its citizens, especially with respect to the current international economic crisis.

EDP sends its warmest greetings to the Cyprus people, both Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots, and confirms its continuous willingness to work for a peaceful and democratic future for all the legal inhabitants of Cyprus. 

EDP wishes its member “European Party” every success in the 2009 European Parliament elections.

Nicosia, October 18, 2008
Issued by EDP Council