The Cyprus problem is a European problem, the Mediterranean EU member states (MED9) declared from Paphos, Cyprus, stressing that 'Trkiye's concrete contribution to the speedy resumption and successful conduct of the negotiations remains crucial, constituting a key element in advancing EU-Trkiye relations.' In a declaration issued after the 11th Summit of the Southern EU Countries in Pafos, the MED9 on the occasion of the 50 years since the invasion and occupation of Cyprus, reiterated '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 line with the principles on which the EU is founded and its acquis.' 'The Cyprus problem is a European one. We underline that Trkiye's concrete contribution to the speedy resumption and successful conduct of the negotiations remains crucial, constituting a key element in advancing EU-Trkiye relations, ' they added, adding that the avoidance of unilateral actions, including actions that violate the military status quo along the ceasefire lines or encroachment into the buffer zone, is essential for creating a conducive 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 the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Trkiye, in line with established conditionalities. 'Solutions to outstanding issues should be addressed by peaceful means and in full respect of international law, including UNCLOS. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states must be upheld, and their sovereign rights be fully respected,' they said. The MED9 countries described the unfolding situation in the Middle East as 'gravely alarming.' 'In light of the reverberations of the Gaza conflict on the wider region, we express our extreme concern with the escalation of the militar y confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah,' they said, calling for 'an immediate ceasefire across the Blue Line and for the timely provision of humanitarian aid in Lebanon.' They deplored the many civilian casualties, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the high number of internally displaced persons, and urged all actors to respect International Law and International Humanitarian Law in all circumstances. 'Hezbollah's firing of rockets and other projectiles into Israeli territory since 8th October 2023 has to stop. The sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon has to be preserved and guaranteed, and any operations in violation of it must stop. Any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation,' the stressed. They reiterated their commitment 'to a lasting and sustainable peace, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, on the basis of the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and vi able State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.' On Russia's invasion of Ukraine which continues for the third year, the MED9 countries reaffirmed 'our unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders.' 'We reaffirm, once again, our steadfast commitment to providing continued multifaceted support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes,' they add. Furthermore, the MED9 countries welcomed the re-establishment of a portfolio dedicated to the Mediterranean within the European Commission, stating 'this confirms the EU's increased focus on the Mediterranean and the importance attached to our region's strategic role.' 'We stand ready to actively engage in formulating the new Pact for the Mediterranean. The stability, security and prosperity of Europe is closely interlinked with that of its immediate neighbourhood. We remain, therefore, firmly committed to contributing to closer r elations and cooperation with the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood, also in the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean, to our mutual benefit,' they added. They also stressed the Union's strategic autonomy, economic security and resilience is our priority, welcoming the welcome the renewed sharp focus placed on strengthening the Union's competitiveness, productivity, and sustainable growth, including by the reports of Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta. 'It is our strong conviction that a more competitive and sovereign Europe requires significant investments, with a combination of both public financing from the EU budget and the EIB group, and private sources where completing the Capital Markets Union will be key. In this context, the new Multiannual Financial Framework should also reflect the centrality of European competitiveness and match the level of political ambition with the necessary resources,' they said. The Pafos Declaration included references on the EU' defence policy, Cohesion and Agr icultural Policy as 'important building blocks to strengthening the EU's competitiveness and resilience, as well as its territorial and social cohesion.' Stating that the welfare and economic prosperity of our citizens, as well as solutions to labour market, housing, and addressing demographic challenges in a horizontal way, must remain at the epicentre of our efforts, the MED9 states added that 'the social dimension, notably reduction of inequalities, social inclusion, and protection and empowerment of citizens, remains a collective priority.' Source: Cyprus News Agency
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