Cyprus-Forum.com

[Jerry]

I'm in the process of reading it myself, I thought others may like to.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/p ... 73/473.pdf

[Jerry]

Having read the whole report I thought I would share these extracts with you. I find the last paragraph hard to believe, could the north really manage one million visitors?


23. Minority rights have improved slightly, but the general view is that they still have a very long way to go. There is now a free Kurdish press, but very limited broadcasting in the Kurdish language, and very little teaching. The state does not fund any Kurdish language activities. Curious anomalies exist: for example, it is permitted to use Kurdish in a court of law, but not to use it in political discourse.

28. The legal framework for women’s rights has recently been improved. The problem is implementation. For example, it is compulsory for girls to attend school to eighth grade (13/14 years old) and it is a criminal offence for parents who fail to allow this. But in practice, many do not go and their parents go unpunished.

35. Turkey believes that the decision on its accession will be political, rather than objective. Turkey needs to convince the sceptics that it will make a positive contribution to the EU. Turkey is concerned that, even if the Cyprus problem is dealt with in the next 3 to 4 years, its detractors will find other reasons to oppose accession.

41. People in Turkey think of joining the EU principally in terms of economic prosperity and becoming part of the ‘European Club.’ Turkey is not Euro-sceptic as such, but if joining means ‘giving in’ on Cyprus then most people would not be in favour. Turkey wants to join the EU, but not at any cost. At the moment, Turkey is not thinking of a ‘middle way’ like Switzerland, and the concept of a privileged partnership would be seen as an insult.

55. Turkey does not believe it would help to solve the Cyprus problem if Turkey unilaterally reduced its forces on the island. The reduction of troop numbers has to be made as part of a comprehensive settlement; it is not possible just to take out one piece of the problem and to leave the others. The Turkish troops would have been withdrawn if the Annan Plan had been adopted. The Greek Cypriots will have to accept that if they want a comprehensive settlement it will look something like the Annan Plan. Turkey is prepared to move forward so long as it can see good intentions from the Greek Cypriot side.

67. There is a warm relationship between British and Cypriot nationals. At a political level, however, the UK’s relationship with the government of the Republic of Cyprus is mixed, and is strongly affected by Greek Cypriot perceptions of the UK’s role in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and by the UK’s firm support for Turkey’s EU accession.

79. The Turkish Cypriots were desperate for a solution in the run-up to Cyprus’s accession to the EU in 2004. They are less desperate now, and in time the settlers from the mainland may become a majority in the north, which could dramatically affect its outlook. Such is the pace of change in the north that no-one can really predict what will happen there. There is also a risk that Turkey may become more assertive in relation to Cyprus, especially if its hopes of EU accession are dashed.

80. Turkey could withdraw thousands of troops without compromising the security of the Turkish Cypriots. But the Turkish military has a strong attachment to Cyprus. Withdrawal of Turkish forces is bound up with wider questions of reform of Turkish society and governance.

81. Some Greek Cypriots feel their leadership needs to articulate their concerns and their goals more clearly, using the Annan Plan as the basis for further progress on the Cyprus problem. Opposition politicians in particular feel that President Papadopoulos needs to take the initiative. Instead of playing to the public gallery, he should present specific proposals to the UN, to the EU and to the Turkish Cypriot leadership.

82. However, Greek Cypriots are unlikely to support a solution unless it is recommended by their government. To be sure of success, both the government and other political groups will have to campaign in favour of any proposal that is put to a referendum. Public opinion in Cyprus is led by the political parties, and especially by whoever holds the office of President. The parties presently in government control most of the newspapers in the south.

143. If Ercan airport were opened to direct flights it is estimated that north Cyprus would receive a million tourists who would generate $1 billion in revenue. With this income, north Cyprus could stand on its own two feet. Turkish Cypriots suggest that tourists flying into Ercan should be able to visit the whole island, which would benefit the Greek Cypriots as well. In addition, if Ercan were opened to direct flights not only would tourists fly in, but goods could be exported by air as well which would also make the economy stronger. However, the Greek Cypriots fear that if Ercan were opened to direct flights, the Turkish Cypriots would lose any incentive to reach a wider settlement.

[cypezokyli]

interesting report (or at least the extracts posted ).
it appears rather a report from an observer.
now each one of us can take the pieces it suits his cause, underline them, and stress their importance