zan wrote:bill cobbett wrote:The following is an extract from a debate in the UK House of Commons on 10.01.07 where the UK Minister for Europe replies to a question about non-stop, direct flights to the north:-
Ann Winterton (Congleton) (Con): What is the Minister’s view on direct flights to northern Cyprus? Would that not be one way of helping to break down the impasse?
Mr. Hoon: It certainly would end the isolation, at least in part, but there are clear international rules and law governing direct flights. It is important that the United Kingdom Government consider the legal position carefully. So far, we have concluded that it would not be possible to authorise direct flights in the absence of agreement by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. That remains our legal opinion and legal view. It is clearly important that the United Kingdom Government do not transgress international law in any way.
So it would seem that, as far as UK flights are concerned, it is up to the Roc.
Or just a case of real politic. What I mean by that is that the statement includes the words "SO FAR" so that would mean that they are still looking into it. It could also involve a factor of how much pressure they can put on the RoC to change their views. Already anticipating what the Great Pyro is going to say but nothing is set in stone and even he has not got all the answers.
Yep. The "..so far".. bit jumped straight out at me. I would however say three things you can read into this statement.
1. HM Minister for Europe would like the flights.
2. The UK government has taken legal advice on the matter and up to 10.01.07 they haven't been able to find the loopholes in the relevent laws. I suspect they would have busted a gut to find them.
3. Now to the ..."so far"... where I would agree with you that it is a piece of "real politic" (isn't everything?) but bear in mind where it was said (the UK House of Commons) where the phrase is used as doublespeak, an indicator that the matter will be dropped/allowed to fade away.
Anyway, time will tell.
) So, if they start direct flights to TRNC, what would they tell South Cyprus and Greece? The answer is simple. It's only a game and South Cyprus a& Greece also know this. After direct flights, EU will compel TRNC & Turkey to give new concessions.
