Turkish Cypriots to vote in European elections for the first time
An important decision for the Turkish Cypriot citizens of the Republic of Cyprus was taken by the island’s council of ministers, which approved an amendment to the law for the automatic registration in the special election registry of all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus
This includes Turkish Cypriots living in the Turkish-occupied areas of the republic, who have the right to vote and are holders of an ID issued by the republic. The decision will allow Turkish Cypriots to vote for the first time in the forthcoming European Parliament elections, in May.
“The Cabinet’s decision has to do with the equal participation of Turkish Cypriots in the upcoming European Parliament elections”, a government spokesman said. Additionally, the government approved an amendment to the civil registry law, providing for the automatic registration of all those who acquire the right to vote.
Meanwhile, the advisory body to the presidency on the handling of the Cyprus problem, was scheduled to convene on January 24 to discuss developments in the Cyprus issue and the efforts to embark on a dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot side in view of finding a solution for the reunification of the island, divided since the Turkish invasion in 1974.
The United Nations Security Council has recently expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in the Cyprus peace process and called for agreement on a joint declaration to jump-start stalled talks the soonest. The members of the council were briefed on Wednesday on developments in the Cyprus issue, during informal consultations, by the UN Secretary General`s Special Representative in Cyprus Lisa Buttenheim and the UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer.
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