http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=69&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=1517&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2350&hn=famagusta-gazette&he=.com The Gazette
Cyprus will not participate in a EU police mission to Kosovo Cyprus quoted article 23 of the Treaty of Lisbon 05.FEB.08 Cyprus will not participate in a European Union police mission to Kosovo, following its “constructive abstention” stance on the matter. Cyprus quoted article 23 of the Treaty of Lisbon to support its abstention, which allows an EU member state to declare “constructive abstention” from an EU decision. Cyprus is not bound by this EU decision. The other 26 member states approved Monday, with a written procedure, joint action in the framework of Common Foreign Policy and Policy of Security and Defence. This decision will allow the dispatch of a police force to Kosovo, code-named “Rule of Law”. Cyprus deposited a statement explaining the reasoning behind its decision. This is the first time an EU member state quoted article 23. The main reason Cyprus abstained was the fact that there was no decision/invitation by the UN Security Council for a mission, Nicosia said. - (CNA)
