Cyprus-Forum.com

[brother]

20 OCTOBER 2004

YOU HAVE ONLY ONE WEEK AT MOST TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Why don't you fight for your rights?
Denktas¸ call to Londoners after only three respond to inquiry THE TRNC Deputy Prime Minister Serdar Denktas¸ urged his compatriots in London to lobby the British government after it was revealed that only three Turkish Cypriots responded to a call by the UK for proposals on what its policy should be towards Cyprus
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"Don't you have any complaints, why don't you fight for your rights, don't the problems of your friends and relatives in Cyprus interest you?," a disappointed Denktas¸ asked London-based Turkish Cypriots during a visit to the capital last Friday.

Britain's Foreign Affairs Committee announced back in July that it would be re-evaluating its policy towards Cyprus in the wake of the referendum on a plan to unite the island which Turkish Cypriots backed but Greek Cypriots rejected.

The committee announced that anyone could send their suggestions. Despite most Turkish Cypriots in London being aware of the inquiry into Cyprus after it was reported by the London Turkish Gazette, only three actually did.

However, an official said that there was still time to write to the Committee before it begins to debate the issue in the coming weeks.

Mr Denktas¸ urged Londoners to make the most of the opportunity.

"You can write yourself or get your MP to write on your behalf. It is very important that Turkish Cypriot views are included in this report," he said.

The inquiry will examine a number of issues, including whether the UK should continue to back the Annan Plan; what role the UK should play in peace negotiations ; the implications of the Annan Plan’s rejection for Turkish Cypriots; whether the British Government should seek to alter its relationship with North Cyprus ; the implications for the EU’s relationship with Turkey and the implications for the EU of the admission of a divided island.

The final report will be published in the New Year and will give recommendations to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on what the UK's policy on Cyprus should be.

The FCO will then make the final decision on whether there should be any changes, based on the Committee's suggestions.

The Committee will accept views from the public in writing only.

These should be sent either in hard copy by post to: Foreign Affairs Committee, Committee Office, House of Commons, London SW1A OAA, or preferably by e-mail to [email protected]. A name and address must be provided.

[brother]

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD OR LOSE IT.....LAST CHANCE TO HAVE AN OPINION