SIR – Tomorrow, the Republic of Cyprus takes over the presidency of the European Union, yet Turkish Cypriots will once again be out in the cold.
In April 2004, 65 per cent of Turkish Cypriots said “yes” to the Annan Plan that would have facilitated a united Cyprus entering the European Union. Seventy-six per cent of Greek Cypriots voted against the plan they had jointly drawn up. As a result, a divided island joined the EU in May 2004, with membership suspended in the northern third.
Greek Cypriots have since used their veto powers to block promises made by Günter Verheugen, the former EU commissioner, and others “to put an end to the isolation of Turkish Cypriots”.
Four generations have been denied simple pleasures such as friendly games of international football, which are banned. Even direct trade with other EU members is prohibited. What possible legal or moral justification can there be for any of this?
In the absence of a political solution, we call on Britain, as a guarantor power in Cyprus, to lead the rest of the world in acknowledging that the Republic of Cyprus does not represent those living in northern Cyprus, and to use its influence to help Turkish Cypriots secure the rights that Greek Cypriots have enjoyed for decades.
Baroness Ludford MEP (Lib Dem)
Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
Sir Graham Watson MEP (Lib Dem)
Michael Cashman MEP (Lab)
Chris Davies MEP (Lib Dem)
Baroness Hussein-Ece
Billy Hayes
General Secretary, Communication Workers Union
Simon Woolley
Co-Founder, Operation Black Vote
Hussein Chalayan
Martina Cole
Alp Mehmet
Former British ambassador to Iceland
Emel Djevdet
Chairman, Embargoed!
STOP THE BLACKMAILING THE TURKISH CYPRIOTS