The President of the Republic awards Dutch Euro-Parliamentarian, Mr Hans van Baalen, with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus - Hoofdinhoud

The European Union should take much more responsibility and point out to Turkey that without the withdrawal of all Turkish occupation forces in the north and without the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus there can be no membership of Turkey in the EU, Dutch Euro-Parliamentarian, Mr Hans van Baalen, said today during a ceremony at which he was awarded with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus by the President of the Republic, Mr Demetris Christofias.

In his remarks at the ceremony, President Christofias, addressing Mr van Baalen said: «Todayʼs event is an occasion on which the Cypriot people, my Government and I personally have the opportunity to honour you for the close cooperation and friendship we have enjoyed throughout the years. Be it from the position of Member of the Dutch Parliament, Member of the European Parliament or President of the Liberal International, you have shown a keen interest and active engagement in issues relating to Cyprus, for which we are most grateful.

It is said that ʽa friend in need is a friend indeed’, and you have been a friend in the hour of need. During challenging times, your active support for Cyprusʼs EU accession process contributed to the achievement of this historic goal for the country. You shared with us the vision of a future in the European Union. It, therefore, feels timely to be holding this ceremony today, just a few days ahead of the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU by Cyprus, for the first time. Rising to this challenge, for which we have thoroughly prepared, is made easier when we can count on the cooperation of good friends of Cyprus and its people as a whole.

Your stance on the Cyprus issue, throughout the years, has been honest, fair and objective. You have consistently expressed clear positions on the need for achieving a just and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue whilst supporting the right of Cypriots to freely make important choices pertaining to their future. 



You have insisted on the immediate withdrawal of all Turkish troops and the need to put an end to the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus. And you have spoken in no uncertain terms of the responsibility of Turkey for the current situation.

I can reiterate that from our side we will continue to spare no effort to reach a solution to the Cyprus issue as soon as possible - a solution which would be a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, for a state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality. This is the basis for a solution that complies fully with the UN resolutions and the principles and values of the EU. And we are absolutely ready to continue the dialogue for a solution of the Cyprus issue during the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.”



Concluding, President Christofias said: “I look forward to the continuation of our close cooperation, as well as to the cordial and close relationship between Cyprus and the Netherlands, within the European family. We are honoured to have you as a friend.” 



On his part Mr van Baalen said: “When I was 14 years old I learnt about the Turkish invasion in Cyprus and it made a big impact to a small child that by force a country was attacked and that not only during the invasion, but also after the invasion, the cultural heritage in the occupied north was among the first victims.” He added that “this was unjust.” 



Addressing President Christofias, Mr van Baalen said that “there is only the Republic of Cyprus of which you are the President.” He added that “as European Union we should take much more responsibility and tell Turkey: ‘Without the withdrawal of all Turkish occupation forces in the north and without the implementation of the Ankara Protocol there can be no membership of Turkey in the EU. If you are negotiating with the Community, of which Cyprus is a full member, you have to recognize Cyprus and let ships and airplanes in your ports and the implementation of these is of key value to the resumption of talks with Turkey’. And I hope that Turkey understands that it is in its best interests to take confidence building measures.” 



He pointed out that Turkish Cypriots in the north suffer and added that “the EU and the world should support your line which is peaceful talks, which would lead to a bizonal bicommunal federal united Republic of Cyprus. We support you and we will continue to do so,” he concluded.