Filenews 17 September 2021
The nine EUMED Member States describe as unacceptable a proposal to create two states in Cyprus, calling on Turkey to refrain from provocations against Cyprus and to restore the situation it created with its illegal actions in the enclosed city of Famagusta.
The Joint Declaration, adopted today by the nine southern EU Member States that make up the EUMED Forum, whose Summit met today in Athens, under the title Peace, Security and Stability in the Mediterranean, states that "a peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous Mediterranean is a strategic priority for the EU. The countries of southern Europe act as a pillar of stability in the region with a common approach to the resolution of the challenges and a common vision for the future of the Mediterranean region and of Europe as a whole. The Mediterranean is facing a plethora of ongoing crises affecting all countries and peoples in the region, but also beyond.
We call on all countries in the region to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of EU Member States in their maritime zones, in accordance with international law, including the law of the sea.
We underline that the delimitation of the Continental Shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone must be settled by peaceful means of dispute settlement and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
We reiterate our demand for Turkey to accept Cyprus' invitation to engage in dialogue on the demarcation of maritime zones between their coastlines, including through the submission of the matter to the International Court of Justice.
In line with the relevant European Council Conclusions and the Declaration of 25 March 2021, it is essential that all States respect international law and refrain, in a consistent and permanent manner, from provocations or unilateral actions in violation of international law.
We reaffirm our determination, in the event of such action, to use the instruments and options at the European Union's disposal to defend its interests and those of its Member States, as well as to safeguard regional stability.
We reiterate our readiness to talk to Turkey in a gradual, proportionate and reversible manner, to strengthen cooperation in various areas of common interest, provided that the conditions set by the European Council last June are respected.
We reaffirm our strong commitment to a viable overall solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions that are binding on all and as provided for by the acquis, the values and principles of the EU.
We therefore consider any proposal for a two-state solution to be unacceptable. Efforts to resume negotiations must not be further undermined by illegal and provocative behaviour in the maritime zones and on the territory of Cyprus.
We strongly condemn Turkish illegal actions in the enclosed area of Varosha, in violation of Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789(1992), and call for their revocation, in line with the UN Security Council Presidential Declaration of 23 July 2021 and the Declaration of the EU High Representative on 27 July 2021.
In the Declaration, the leaders of the Mediterranean countries underline their common and strong conviction that urgent and ambitious global action at national, regional and local level, involving all stakeholders, in particular civil society and the private sector, is now, more than ever, necessary to address the escalating climate and environmental crisis and to create a safe prosperous one; a fair and sustainable future for our societies in the 21st century, based on circular economy standards.
