Some news on Cyprus

European Parliament regrets no progress made in Cyprus problem
The European Parliament plenary session adopted a resolution on Wednesday concerning EU-Turkey relations, in which it expresses regret that ''no substantial progress has been made in reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question.'' The Parliament ''reiterates its call on both parties to adopt a constructive attitude for a comprehensive settlement within the UN framework, based on the principles upon which the EU is founded, and in this regard recalls its previous resolutions stating that the withdrawal of Turkish forces would facilitate the negotiation of a settlement.” It furthermore ''welcomes the establishment of an instrument of financial support to encourage the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community'' and ''calls on the Commission to report specifically on the implementation and effectiveness of this instrument.''

EU Commission announces Cyprus Civil Society Programme
The European Commission has announced the launch of the Cypriot Civil Society in Action Programme. A press release by the EC says that the Programme aims at strengthening the role of Civil Society in the Turkish Cypriot community as well as promoting the development of a conducive environment for the further development of trust, dialogue, co-operation and closer relationship between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities as an important step towards a solution to the Cyprus problem. The EU will grant 2,000,000 euro to the Cypriot Civil Society in Action Programme. First goal of the Programme is to support partnerships project. The grant scheme is open to proposals in a variety of areas involving Turkish Cypriot civil society organisations in partnership with Greek Cypriot civil society organisations in (but not limited to) culture, economic development, social inclusion, social dialogue, academic research, etc. The creation of linkages between these projects and wider European Union networks will also be supported. Projects may include if appropriate some infrastructure investments too (e.g. joint cafes or community centres, joint project in the field of conservation, revitalisation, renovation activities of cultural heritage sites, etc.). Second goal is to strengthen the Turkish Cypriot Civil Society in the Turkish Cypriot community.Grants will be provided for projects as well as for seed funding for the setting up of new civil society organisations and for promoting their development. The emphasis will be on supporting civil society organisations representing the public interest: protection of the environment; promotion and protection of women’s rights with a view to promote gender equality in the society; consumer protection with a view to strengthen the effective enforcement of consumer protection; enhancement of social inclusion of people with disabilities; development of citizens advocacy groups; etc. Third goal is to support NGOs and international organisations promoting reconciliation projects, including research leading to a better understanding of issues affecting trust between the two communities. Under this strand, some funding will be provided to conferences, surveys, publications promoting reconciliation projects including research leading to a better understanding of issues affecting trust between the two communities.