The international relations of the Cypriot Parliament

Article abstract:

The Cyprus Problem has been a complex and difficult international issue since 1974 when Turkey invaded the northern part of the island following the (then ruling) Athens junta-engineered coup against Archbishop Makarios. The United Nations (UN) Security Council and its General Assembly have repeatedly stated that the situation on the island is an unacceptable violation of international law and other UN principles and that a 'just and lasting solution' be found. From the beginning of the Cyprus Problem, the European Community/Union (EU) has consistently, at least at the rhetorical level, supported the UN resolutions and other efforts made to find a solution to the problem. Since the December 1999 Helsinki European Council meeting, the EU and all its Member States have stated that the lack of a solution to the Cyprus Problem will not be regarded as an obstacle to Cyprus' accession to the Union. Now that the Athens Accession Treaty with 10 candidate states, including the Republic of Cyprus, has been signed (16 April 2003), all 10 countries are scheduled to join the EU in May 2004.