Pafos Live 12 October 2024
The nine Mediterranean members of the EU (MED9) declared from Pafos, conveying to Turkey that its concrete contribution to the rapid resumption and successful conduct of negotiations "remains crucial", being a key element for the promotion of EU-Turkey relations.
In the declaration of the 11th MED9 Summit, held in Pafos, the MED9 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and in accordance with the principles, on which the EU and its acquis are based.
"As this year marks the tragic 50th anniversary of the invasion and occupation," the MED9 leaders said in their declaration, "we reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. and in accordance with the principles on which the EU and its acquis are based", stressing that "the Cyprus problem is European".
We underline that Turkey's concrete contribution to the swift resumption and successful conduct of negotiations remains crucial, being a key element in advancing EU-Turkey relations. We argue that avoiding unilateral actions, including actions that violate the military status quo along ceasefire lines or the buffer zone, is essential to create an enabling environment for the resumption of negotiations."
They also underlined the EU's strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, in accordance with established conditions.
"Solutions to outstanding issues should be addressed through peaceful means and in full respect of international law, including UNCLOS. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states must be preserved and their sovereign rights fully respected," they said, adding that de-escalation of tensions, respect for international law and promotion of good neighbourly relations are essential for regional stability and cooperation, including in the field of energy.
"In this context, we note that the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum is a platform for positive regional cooperation," they said.
On the situation in the Middle East, MED9 describes the situation as "seriously worrying".
"In light of the aftermath of the Gaza conflict in the wider region, we express our grave concern about the escalation of the military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah," the MED9 leaders said.
They called for an immediate ceasefire across the Blue Line and the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, deploring "the many civilian casualties, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the large number of internally displaced persons, and we call on all actors to respect International Law and International Humanitarian Law in all circumstances."
They also called for an end to Hezbollah's firing of rockets and other missiles into Israeli territory from October 8, 2023, stressing that the sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon must be safeguarded and protected, and any operation that violates it must be stopped.
"Any further military intervention will dramatically worsen the situation," they said.
Reaffirming its commitment to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, MED9 called on "all actors to exercise restraint and engage in mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions, while we will continue to support further support for Lebanon and its people, including the Lebanese armed forces who have a critical stabilising role to play."
They also strongly condemned the Iranian missile attack on Israel and called on "all actors to act responsibly and refrain from further military actions."
They declared their commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, on the basis of the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, continuous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition.
They welcomed the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to pursue lasting peace and protect civilians in the region.
Regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which continues for the third year, MED9 reaffirmed "our full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders."
"We will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its reform efforts on its European path," they said.
In their declaration, the MED9 countries also referred to increased competition and complex challenges, stressing that ensuring the Union's strategic autonomy, economic security and resilience is our priority.
They also referred to the social dimension, saying that "in particular reducing inequalities, social inclusion and protecting and empowering citizens, remains a collective priority, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights, the 2021 Porto Declaration and this year's Val Duchesse Summit".
They welcomed the renewed strong focus on strengthening the Union's competitiveness, productivity and sustainable growth, including in the Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta reports.
MED9 leaders also welcomed the re-establishment of a portfolio dedicated to the Mediterranean within the European Commission, saying that "this confirms the EU's increased focus on the Mediterranean and the importance attached to the strategic role of our region".
The Pafos Declaration also includes references to research and innovation, agriculture and EU defence readiness.
