**Title: Two Cypriot MEPs to Abstain from European Parliament Vote on Turkey Report**
Cyprus Daily Life - October 2023
Cypriot Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Loukas Fourlas and Giorgos Georgiou have announced their decision to abstain from the upcoming plenary vote on a European Parliament report concerning Turkey. This vote is scheduled for Wednesday, and both MEPs have expressed mixed feelings about the report, acknowledging some of its positive aspects for Cyprus while also highlighting significant concerns.
During a press briefing in Strasbourg on Monday, Loukas Fourlas, representing the Democratic Rally party (Disy), characterized the report as a compromise within the European Parliament. He noted, “It is not bad, it is much better than previous ones,” indicating that the document outlines Turkey’s obligations towards Cyprus, Greece, and the European Union. Fourlas pointed out that the report includes references to critical issues such as the plight of missing persons in Cyprus, Turkey's stance on a two-state solution, and violations occurring in the buffer zone.
Despite these positive elements, Fourlas expressed his dissatisfaction with the report's characterization of Turkey as a "strategic partner" of the European Union. He stated that, in the current political climate, this framing is unacceptable. Although the European People's Party, which includes Disy, is anticipated to support the report, Fourlas confirmed his intention to abstain from the vote.
Giorgos Georgiou, a member of the left-wing party Akel, echoed Fourlas’s sentiments, also deciding to abstain from the vote. He emphasized that the report acknowledges serious violations by Turkey, including issues related to the rule of law, its actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, military operations in Syria, and its documented support for Hamas. Georgiou described the situation in Turkey as a “covert dictatorship,” while also recognizing Turkey's geopolitical significance due to its NATO membership and regional influence.
Georgiou further noted that while the report effectively diminishes Turkey's prospects for EU accession, it still treats the country as a vital strategic partner, particularly regarding visa facilitation and discussions aimed at upgrading the customs union. He stated, “For all these reasons, we as the Left will abstain,” reinforcing his party's position against the framing of Turkey as a strategic ally despite its controversial actions.
The abstention of both MEPs highlights the complexities surrounding Turkey's relationship with the European Union and the ongoing concerns regarding its actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and domestic governance. As the European Parliament prepares for the vote, the differing perspectives of Cypriot representatives reflect the broader tensions within EU-Turkey relations and the implications for Cyprus.
The outcome of the vote and its potential impact on future EU-Turkey relations remains to be seen, as the European Parliament continues to navigate the challenges posed by Turkey's actions and its role in regional stability.