European Parliament committee approves draft report on Turkey

The Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) of the European Parliament has approved its annual report on Turkey with 44 votes in favor. This document, drafted by a Spanish rapporteur, outlines the Parliament's positions on bilateral relations and regional issues, including the Cyprus issue. The report reiterates support for a bicommunal, bizonal federation within the UN framework and urges the appointment of a new EU special envoy for the Cyprus problem, a position vacant since Johannes Hahn's departure. Specific demands include the withdrawal of occupation forces from Strovilia, the implementation of the Pyla agreement, and the execution of international arrest warrants related to the 1996 murders of Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomou. While the report emphasizes the application of the EU Acquis throughout Cyprus, some critics argue it contains serious omissions regarding the legal classification of the situation. The final text is pending a plenary vote by the full European Parliament. The report also encourages the continuation of recent diplomatic contacts and confidence-building measures.