Mr President, as rapporteur for the accession of Cyprus, it is my honour and pleasure to ask all my fellow Members to give their assent as laid down by Article 49 of the Treaty. I would like to take advantage of my last speech as rapporteur to thank my colleagues on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy and the joint parliamentary delegation, who have provided me with a great deal of support over the years. I would also like to thank the Commission, in particular Commissioner Verheugen, Mr Maurer and Mr Van Der Meer, and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and its ambassador, Mr Theophilou, who have provided us with full, regular updates on the progress of the negotiations. We are all sorry that the UN plan for global resolution of the Cypriot issue presented by the Secretary-General came to nothing. The constitutional structure proposed for the reunited island corresponded to the model of a modern, democratic federal State and fully respected the cultural identity and autonomy of both parts of the island. It also provided a European perspective for the two island communities. Those who rejected the plan for global resolution because they are still in favour of the existence of two separate States bear a heavy historical responsibility. As Mr Kofi Annan wrote in his report of 1 April 2003 to the Security Council, Mr Denktash, despite the profound changes that have taken place, still hopes that the situation ‘on the ground’ will one day be enshrined in law. According to the law, however, Cyprus does not comprise two separate States. Security Council Resolution No 541(1983) declares the TRNC’s proclamation to be legally invalid and calls upon all Member States not to recognise any Cypriot State other than the Republic of Cyprus. After the signing and ratification of the Accession Treaty, therefore, the whole island of Cyprus will, legally speaking, become a Member of the European Union. In fact, however, for the duration of the Turkish occupation, it will not be possible to apply the jurisdiction of the European Union and the Community acquis in the northern part of the island. That is why the Accession Treaty contains an enabling clause empowering the Council, at the proposal of the Commission, to negotiate the necessary adjustments for application of the Community acquis in the north of the island once the obstacles to reunification are removed. The UN Secretary-General’s peace plan is still on the table. The parties concerned – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots and, in particular, Turkey – are being motivated by many arguments to overcome the barriers which, thus far, seemed insurmountable. The European Union is prepared to welcome a reunified Cyprus at any time, provided that the rules governing it comply with international law and with our own principles. In the meantime, the European Union should be proud that it has opened its doors to a country that is indisputably European. Its cultural and economic contribution is irrefutable and will be further increased considerably when sustainable peace is achieved in the Middle East. We also anticipate a strong impetus and active cooperation from Cyprus in terms of politics. In conclusion, I would like to point out that, in the Iraqi affair, Cyprus refused to allow access to its territory for any military operations and stated that it wished to align itself fully with the common positions adopted by the European institutions. As rapporteur, I see this as exemplary behaviour, which I would recommend to all current and future Member States. (Applause)

Political group: PSE