Showing posts with label EU-Turkey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EU-Turkey. Show all posts
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Russia-Ukraine conference bogged down over Cyprus
The following video is of Cypriot Speaker of the House of Representatives @AnnitaDemetriou who calls for no double standards at an international conference on Ukraine, whilst also calling out her Turkish counterpart for his ageist & sexist remarks.
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Türkiye issues Travel alert for United States of America
Travel Alert has just been issued for the USA from Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs...
Friday, January 20, 2023
Turk President Erdogan today threatened Greece.....AGAIN
Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in the Swiss resort of Davos on Thursday, the PM of Greece, M. Mitsotakis argued there was no possibility of war between Türkiye and Greece. “We will not go to war with Türkiye though we witnessed a lot of tension in the last three years,” Mitsotakis said.
Well.....it's campaign season in Türkiye and Mr Erdogan had this to say today....
(What a difference a day makes. I am sure it will win him a few more of the "crazy Turks" votes.)
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Turkish Cypriot Writer takes Turkey to ECHR for Harassment
Turkish Cypriot writer, Mr. Sener Levent who is the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Avrupa, has filed a lawsuit against Turkey at the ECHR.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, Levent’s lawyer Onjell Polili argued that Turkey violated Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and that his client was ‘judicially harassed’ by the Turkish government for repeated criminal cases opened against Mr. Sener Levent.
Saturday, November 12, 2022
Turkish TV Discussing the Revival of the Ottoman Empire. Will Happen Soon!
Mr. Kaan Sariaydin discussing how it is #Türkiye's right to acquire all the land from Cyprus. Looks like a good portion of north western Iran will be reintegrated as well as Armenia, Northern Iraq, Northern Syria and eastern portions of Greece and Bulgaria.
The Turkish expert goes on to say that these areas are our right and we will get them back soon.
Enjoy:
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
When Will The West Care About Cyprus ...
From The DailyWire by Uzay Bulut:
In the 21st century, a member state of the United Nations and the European Union continues to be colonized and occupied by a NATO and UN member and EU hopeful. The colonizer is Turkey and the victim is Cyprus.
Read More »
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Turkey's Economy Minister: Arms Were Shipped to Cyprus Prior To 1974 Invasion
Turkey's economy minister, Mr. Nihat Zeybekci, recently stated that the Turkish State had sent arms to "Mujaheeden" fighters in Cyprus for 15 years prior to the '74 military invasion - just like it has sent arms to fighters in Syria.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Some Hope for the Greek Cypriots Enclaved in the Occupied North
A landmark case at the European Court of Human Rights has safeguarded the rights of relatives of Greeks in Istanbul to inherit property even if they are not Turkish nationals. And this raises hopes for the Greek Cypriots enclaved in the occupied Karpas peninsula where the non-inheritance policy is also applied by the Turkish regime.
This is the view of Achilleas Demetriades - one of the lawyers in the case of late Polyxeni Foka whose blood brothers were awarded five million euros by the Strasbourg-based Court on October 1, 2013.
“I believe this is an important case because it repeats the rights of ‘Romioi’ in Istanbul to have their properties inherited by their heirs who may not necessarily be of Turkish nationality.”
He added: “And it also has a link to Cyprus because a similar policy of non-inheritance was applied with the Karpas enclaved persons who, when they pass away, their relatives living in the government-controlled areas are not allowed to inherit.”
Ekaterini-born Polyxeni was adopted by Apostolos and Elisabeth Bitsika, wealthy Greeks of Istanbul, or Romioi (Greek: Ῥωμαῖοι/Greek: Ρωμιοί, "Romans") as they were branded by the Turks, back in the mid-50s.
She lived there happily and in very comfortable surroundings and when the father died in 1981, the mother inherited the family property.
The mother died in 1987 and Polyxeni actually inherited the property – both movable and immovable property. But later on the Turkish state decided that this inheritance was contrary to the existing law because she was not a Turkish national. By that time, she was not very well and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital called Zentiburul with the authorities appointing a guardian.
Meanwhile, her two blood brothers from Ekaterini wanted to help and began contacting Polyxeni who passed away in hospital in 2000. That’s when the brothers’ interest in the inheritance led to the launch of a litigation in Turkey but their bid was unsuccessful.
So, in 2002 an application was submitted before the ECHR claiming the inheritance rights of the brothers. The case was successful in 2009 when the Court accepted that a violation had occurred and their right to the property was established.
On October 1, 2013, the judgment for just satisfaction was announced awarding the brothers the sum of €5 million for loss of use and for expropriation and moral damages they had suffered because of these violations.
---Applicable to the enclaved---
Amendments to the ‘inheritance law’ in the occupied areas are already underway and the matter is being discussed before the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, said Achilleas Demetriades.
“It is expected to be finally resolved in June 2014. That is when the Committee of Ministers will issue a decision whether the ‘law’ is in fact adequate remedy to satisfy the actions taken by Turkey remedy the breaches which have been established by the 4th interstate application,” Demetriades said.
“I understand certain memos were generated but it’s a matter handled by the Attorney General’s office…I think the properties in Istanbul may very well be the subject matter of a new immovable property commission set up by Turkey to deal with this dormant for quite some time issue,” he added.
Demetriades wondered whether any of the enclaved people will initiate legal proceedings to challenge the new ‘law’ in the occupied areas and then in Strasbourg. “The matter of the enclaved is part of the interstate application and the government should deal with it,” he said.
This is the view of Achilleas Demetriades - one of the lawyers in the case of late Polyxeni Foka whose blood brothers were awarded five million euros by the Strasbourg-based Court on October 1, 2013.
“I believe this is an important case because it repeats the rights of ‘Romioi’ in Istanbul to have their properties inherited by their heirs who may not necessarily be of Turkish nationality.”
He added: “And it also has a link to Cyprus because a similar policy of non-inheritance was applied with the Karpas enclaved persons who, when they pass away, their relatives living in the government-controlled areas are not allowed to inherit.”
Ekaterini-born Polyxeni was adopted by Apostolos and Elisabeth Bitsika, wealthy Greeks of Istanbul, or Romioi (Greek: Ῥωμαῖοι/Greek: Ρωμιοί, "Romans") as they were branded by the Turks, back in the mid-50s.
She lived there happily and in very comfortable surroundings and when the father died in 1981, the mother inherited the family property.
The mother died in 1987 and Polyxeni actually inherited the property – both movable and immovable property. But later on the Turkish state decided that this inheritance was contrary to the existing law because she was not a Turkish national. By that time, she was not very well and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital called Zentiburul with the authorities appointing a guardian.
Meanwhile, her two blood brothers from Ekaterini wanted to help and began contacting Polyxeni who passed away in hospital in 2000. That’s when the brothers’ interest in the inheritance led to the launch of a litigation in Turkey but their bid was unsuccessful.
So, in 2002 an application was submitted before the ECHR claiming the inheritance rights of the brothers. The case was successful in 2009 when the Court accepted that a violation had occurred and their right to the property was established.
On October 1, 2013, the judgment for just satisfaction was announced awarding the brothers the sum of €5 million for loss of use and for expropriation and moral damages they had suffered because of these violations.
---Applicable to the enclaved---
Amendments to the ‘inheritance law’ in the occupied areas are already underway and the matter is being discussed before the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, said Achilleas Demetriades.
“It is expected to be finally resolved in June 2014. That is when the Committee of Ministers will issue a decision whether the ‘law’ is in fact adequate remedy to satisfy the actions taken by Turkey remedy the breaches which have been established by the 4th interstate application,” Demetriades said.
“I understand certain memos were generated but it’s a matter handled by the Attorney General’s office…I think the properties in Istanbul may very well be the subject matter of a new immovable property commission set up by Turkey to deal with this dormant for quite some time issue,” he added.
Demetriades wondered whether any of the enclaved people will initiate legal proceedings to challenge the new ‘law’ in the occupied areas and then in Strasbourg. “The matter of the enclaved is part of the interstate application and the government should deal with it,” he said.
Turkey's commitment to European values questioned
Editor's note: Theo Sommer is a German newspaper editor and intellectual. He has been at Die Zeit since 1958, rising to Editor-in-Chief and Publisher. He is considered one of Germany's foremost authorities on international relations and strategic issues. The opinions expressed in this commentary below are solely his.
There is No Place in the European Union for This Turkey
HAMBURG - For 10 years, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan built his reputation as a moderate, successful, even exemplary levelheaded Islamist democrat. During his leadership the economy flourished, domestic political stability settled in after a period of shaky coalitions, and the army was put on a leash. When the Arab Spring uprisings began, Turkey's democracy seemed like a shining beacon for the people taking to the streets in the Arab world's crisis crescent.
Those days are over. The economy is stuck in a deep crisis. Share prices and the Turkish lira have slumped. And the AKP, Erdogan's party, has been caught up in a serious corruption scandal. The accused include the sons of three AKP ministers and Erdogan's own son Bilal. Investigators have uncovered millions of dollars stuffed into shoe boxes, money transfers to Iran and construction permits in return for large bribes.
As the crisis has unfolded, Erdogan himself has become more and more autocratic, trying to sweep aside everything standing in his way. Last summer, his security forces launched a bloody crackdown on the protests in and around Gezi Park. Since mid-December, he has ruthlessly pursued all those who would drain the swamp of corruption. Hundreds of police officers, dozens of prosecutors and judges have been fired or transferred because they refused to halt their probes, which had reached the prime minister's inner circle. To put an end to corruption rumors circulating online, Erdogan's government recently blocked access to Twitter and YouTube in Turkey.
Meanwhile, a bitter feud between Erdogan and his ally-turned-rival Fethullah Gülen, has shaken Turkey's political scene. The prime minister rails against the imam, who lives in U.S. exile. He sees enemies and conspirators everywhere.
Turkey's municipal elections held in late March were ultimately about whether the country's awakening civil society or conservatism would prevail. The outcome -- 45 percent for the AKP, 38 percent for the opposition -- demonstrates that Erdogan's power base has not crumbled. Now it's completely up to him whether to run for the presidency in the summer or to disregard the term limits he himself instigated and seek a fourth term as premier.
For 30 years, I have advocated accepting Turkey into the European Union, once the country has fulfilled the Copenhagen Criteria: institutional stability as a guarantee of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and minority rights, a functioning market economy, and finally the pledge to embrace the goals of the political, economic and monetary union.
If Erdogan continues as he has over the past two years, he will not fulfill these criteria. There is no place in the European Union for this Turkey.
The conduct of Turkey -- a NATO member -- in the Syria crisis is also worrying. A leaked audio recording that has gone viral online reveals Turkey's foreign minister, intelligence chief and deputy chief of staff discussing intervening militarily in Syria after staging a fake attack made to look as if it had been committed by Syrians.
The leaders in Ankara need to be clear that Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty requires NATO-wide action only if a member state is actually attacked. If the Turkish government feels like playing with fire on the sidelines of the Syrian civil war, it can do so without expecting NATO assistance. And Germany should promptly withdraw its Patriot missile batteries that are guarding Turkey's frontier with Syria.
This article appeared in The German Weekly on April 4, 2014.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
The First Forcible Change in European Borders Since World War II... Uh...NYET!
Forgotten Cyprus
Take a look at the warped media, here, from the Financial Times describing the Crimean referendum as a "divorce at gunpoint". Okay. So it's not a "peaceful and consensual" referendum akin to the one that will happen in Scotland, it says. Alright. "Instead, it is a figleaf for a forced territorial annexation – the first on the European landmass since the end of the Second World War." That media talking point quote is a little different from what was previously their go-to line which was this quote: "the first forcible change in European borders since World War Two".
The media is spreading misinformation. They are talking as if there was no Turkish invasion of Cyprus, no occupation, no alteration of the island's identity by importing Turkish settlers, and no ethnic-cleansing. Nooo, it was all a bad dream. I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone... Do di do doo, do di do doo ♪
Speaking of going to war on trumped up pre-text...Here's Johnny! Just a few days ago, Turkish officials planned false-flag attacks to create pretext for war with its middle eastern neighbor. I'm shocked! Really... Honestly. I truly am!
Angelina... hello (tap, tap) is this thing on?! Testing, one two...Hey, Angelina Jolie, come to Cyprus and urge action against the use of sexual violence as a war weapon! How was this acceptable behavior?!
It seems now the West is looking to wean itself from Russian natural gas and one possible place they are looking is Cyprus and the natural resources located off its southern shores. Europe is speaking with one voice right now regarding the unity of Ukraine. What are the chances we see that same unity once the "urgent" upcoming Cyprus settlement talks begin? Let us see what kind of demands they expect from the victim THIS time around.
Somebody wake me up... What a nightmare!
Friday, April 19, 2013
European Parliament calls for the withdrawal of occupation troops from Cyprus
The European Parliament has urged Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus, return the fenced-off city of Famagusta to its legal owners, end the flow of illegal settlers in the occupied part of Cyprus and implement the Ankara Protocol.
In a resolution on the 2012 progress report on Turkey, members of the European Parliament expressed once again their strong support for the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement for both communities.
The resolution was adopted on Thursday by the European Parliament plenary session by 451 votes in favour, 105 against and 45 abstentions.
The resolution underlined the urgent need for an agreement between the two communities on how to proceed with substantive settlement negotiations, so that the negotiating process, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, can soon regain momentum.
Furthermore it urged Turkey to begin withdrawing its forces its troops from Cyprus and to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984).
MEPs called on Turkey to refrain, in accordance with the principles of international law, from any new settlement of Turkish citizens in Cyprus, as this would continue to change the demographic balance and reduce the allegiance of its citizens on the island to a future common state based on its common past;
They deplored Turkey’s refusal to fulfill its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement towards all Member States and recalls that this refusal continues to have a profound effect on the negotiation process.
MEPs expressed their regret hat Turkey had "missed an important opportunity to start a process of engagement and normalisation of relations with Cyprus" during the Cypriot Presidency of the Council.
The resolution stressed that progress towards the normalisation of Turkey’s relations with the Republic of Cyprus is urgently needed in order to give new momentum to the EU-Turkey accession negotiations.
The resolution also called on the Government of Turkey to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) without further delay and recalled the full legitimacy of the Republic of Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone, in accordance with UNCLOS.
A pro-Turkish lobby failed to include amendments in the resolution aiming at giving to Turkish Cypriots the status of observers at the European Parliament and opening direct trade between the Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus and the EU.
(KYPE)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Cyprus before historic decisions for its future
(Famagusta Gazette) - Cyprus will have to take momentous decisions and take bold steps forward, which will potentially mark its course in history and reshape its strategic importance, Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoullis said in a speech titled “Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean: Strategic Location, Strategic opportunities” at the Director’s Forum of Woodrow Wilson Center.
Markoullis pointed out that developments in Cyprus will have an effect on its neighbourhood, since Cyprus is now in an unusual position of having greater say in its future, and being in a position to effect change.
“Indeed, a number of important factors appear to be coming together, and if this confluence, this convergence of interests is harnessed properly, the opportunities, for Cyprus, its partners and its neighbours can have enormously positive results”, she said.
Referring to the start of drilling operations by a Republic of Cyprus licensed US company, Noble Energy, within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, in search of natural gas deposits, she said that initial findings have already shown positive results ranging between 3-9 Tcf of natural gas and official estimates are expected by the end of the year.
As regards developments in the discovery of hydrocarbon reservoirs in Israel and Cyprus, she said that they are significant on a number of levels.
“The positive results of the drilling in Israel and the preliminary results in Cyprus prove beyond doubt that the geological surveys and estimates on the presence of large quantities of hydrocarbons in the Levant basin, but also in the area south of Cyprus, have merit”, she said. She added that from an economic point of view the significance is great, since it will imply greater interest by other international companies for the second round of bidding to gain licenses for exploratory drilling in other parts of the Cypriot EEZ, and will also serve as a catalyst for financial investments in Cyprus.
Secondly, she said that once natural gas and possibly also oil are found in quantities and in quality that justifies further investments, this will lead to job creation, something that will also involve directly the economies of Cyprus' neighbours.
Markoullis also said that the momentum that will be created by the sort of investment in infrastructure and financial structures for the servicing of the energy industry, will serve as a catalyst towards greater cooperation among neighbours.
“The possibility of joint exploitation between the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the launching of joint projects, particularly in areas where the natural gas or petroleum fields fall across the line separating EEZ, not only does exist, but we are promoting this cooperation through Framework Agreements we are currently negotiating with Israel, Egypt and Lebanon concerning the Joint Development and Exploitation of Cross Median Line Hydrocarbons Reservoirs”, she said, adding that this kind of cooperation could become an indispensable tool that has the potential to change the whole political and economic scene of the entire region.
The Cypriot Minister has also expressed the position that hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will contribute towards greater energy security for Europe.
“As a member state of the EU we have a stake in its success. We believe that potential deposits of hydrocarbons in our Exclusive Economic Zone will benefit Europe, its economy, and by extension its international standing. Therefore, we look forward to cooperating closely with our European partners and linking them to our partners in our immediate neighbourhood, and possibly beyond, in establishing greater energy security, and by extension, broader economic security and stability”, she said.
Referring to bilateral agreements Cyprus has signed with Egypt, Lebanon and Israel for delineating of their Exclusive Economic Zones, she said that these agreements have introduced a new stabilizing dimension to the politics of the region.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that a Cyprus which is a member state of the European Union, a responsible actor within the international system, and which has good and constructive relations with its neighbours can serve as a catalyst for cooperation on the regional level and also offer the necessary platform for greater peace, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Referring to Turkey’s attitude and behaviour towards Cyprus, she said that the start of exploratory drilling in the Cypriot EEZ sparked a tirade of anger on the part of Turkish leaders, at the highest levels. Markoullis explained that the decisions and actions of the Republic of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural resources within its EEZ are entirely legal falling within its sovereign rights as recognised by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, all EU member states and by all Permanent and Non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council.
She referred to “blatant threats of violence and saber rattling which involved Turkish warships and aircraft, air and naval exercises in the sea south of Cyprus, and illegal seismic surveying and seabed mapping, carried out by ships on behalf of Turkey inside our EEZ in blatant violation of Cypriot sovereign rights”. She also mentioned the signing by Turkey of an agreement with its proxy in the occupied part of Cyprus, an agreement which seeks to create the semblance of legality in what cannot possibly be legal.
“But Turkey does not stop there. Its newfound confidence, based on real or imagined successes, its economic growth, and, I am sorry to say, the unbridled support it receives in some countries, has given rise to a neighbourhood bully”, she said.
Markoullis said that Turkey cares very little about the Turkish Cypriots and a great deal about its own selfish interests.
“It is even making claims for an imagined EEZ of its own which in some places borders on the EEZ of Egypt! It would be no exaggeration to say that Turkey is not just violating international law; it is following a conduct in international relations which belongs to another century, before international law was put in place to guide relations between states”, she said.
Reminding Cyprus’ support for Turkey’s European aspirations, she expressed her disappointment when seeing Turkey failing to progress along its European path.
“The negotiation process is not progressing; in fact it has remained frozen, because Turkey is failing to meet the European standards and its commitments to the European Union. It is failing because, like in international law, Turkey wants to dictate its own terms to the European Union”, she said.
“We are hopeful that the Turkey, which aspires to be recognised as a regional if not a global leader, will rise to the occasion. We are hopeful that the Turkish leadership will put aside polemics, diatribes, threats, and adopt a more mild and statesmanlike tone and attitude. We believe that there is room for Turkey to cooperate with its neighbours, out of genuine desire toward common ground and mutual benefit. To do that, Turkey must meet its obligations vis a vis the European Union. It must meet its obligations in terms of international law”, she said.
Referring to the UN-led direct talks for a solution in Cyprus, she said that after three years and 120 direct meetings between the two leaders, there is still no substantive progress on the most crucial issues of the executive powers in the governance chapter, as well as in the refugee, property, territory and citizenship chapters.
She explained that the main stumbling block has all along been the position maintained by the Turkish Cypriot side, fully supported by the Turkish Government, that the goal should not be a federation, in the form of one unbreakable federal state, with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship, as has been agreed and endorsed by the international community, but a confederal arrangement between two separate states with separate sovereignties.
“Despite the difficulties and obstacles on the way, we continue to persist in our efforts to reunify our country in the form of a bizonal, bicommunal federation”, she said.
She added that the developments from the hydrocarbon discoveries in Cyprus’ EEZ, the prospects for prosperity for all Cypriots once reunification is achieved appear tremendous and should work as a catalyst in the direction of moving forward the talks towards reaching an agreement. She expressed the hope that Turkey, which could significantly benefit from a likely cooperation with a reunited Cyprus in all sectors, but primarily in the energy field, will grasp the message of peace, stability and prosperity.
Markoullis pointed out that developments in Cyprus will have an effect on its neighbourhood, since Cyprus is now in an unusual position of having greater say in its future, and being in a position to effect change.
“Indeed, a number of important factors appear to be coming together, and if this confluence, this convergence of interests is harnessed properly, the opportunities, for Cyprus, its partners and its neighbours can have enormously positive results”, she said.
Referring to the start of drilling operations by a Republic of Cyprus licensed US company, Noble Energy, within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, in search of natural gas deposits, she said that initial findings have already shown positive results ranging between 3-9 Tcf of natural gas and official estimates are expected by the end of the year.
As regards developments in the discovery of hydrocarbon reservoirs in Israel and Cyprus, she said that they are significant on a number of levels.
“The positive results of the drilling in Israel and the preliminary results in Cyprus prove beyond doubt that the geological surveys and estimates on the presence of large quantities of hydrocarbons in the Levant basin, but also in the area south of Cyprus, have merit”, she said. She added that from an economic point of view the significance is great, since it will imply greater interest by other international companies for the second round of bidding to gain licenses for exploratory drilling in other parts of the Cypriot EEZ, and will also serve as a catalyst for financial investments in Cyprus.
Secondly, she said that once natural gas and possibly also oil are found in quantities and in quality that justifies further investments, this will lead to job creation, something that will also involve directly the economies of Cyprus' neighbours.
Markoullis also said that the momentum that will be created by the sort of investment in infrastructure and financial structures for the servicing of the energy industry, will serve as a catalyst towards greater cooperation among neighbours.
“The possibility of joint exploitation between the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the launching of joint projects, particularly in areas where the natural gas or petroleum fields fall across the line separating EEZ, not only does exist, but we are promoting this cooperation through Framework Agreements we are currently negotiating with Israel, Egypt and Lebanon concerning the Joint Development and Exploitation of Cross Median Line Hydrocarbons Reservoirs”, she said, adding that this kind of cooperation could become an indispensable tool that has the potential to change the whole political and economic scene of the entire region.
The Cypriot Minister has also expressed the position that hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will contribute towards greater energy security for Europe.
“As a member state of the EU we have a stake in its success. We believe that potential deposits of hydrocarbons in our Exclusive Economic Zone will benefit Europe, its economy, and by extension its international standing. Therefore, we look forward to cooperating closely with our European partners and linking them to our partners in our immediate neighbourhood, and possibly beyond, in establishing greater energy security, and by extension, broader economic security and stability”, she said.
Referring to bilateral agreements Cyprus has signed with Egypt, Lebanon and Israel for delineating of their Exclusive Economic Zones, she said that these agreements have introduced a new stabilizing dimension to the politics of the region.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that a Cyprus which is a member state of the European Union, a responsible actor within the international system, and which has good and constructive relations with its neighbours can serve as a catalyst for cooperation on the regional level and also offer the necessary platform for greater peace, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Referring to Turkey’s attitude and behaviour towards Cyprus, she said that the start of exploratory drilling in the Cypriot EEZ sparked a tirade of anger on the part of Turkish leaders, at the highest levels. Markoullis explained that the decisions and actions of the Republic of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural resources within its EEZ are entirely legal falling within its sovereign rights as recognised by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, all EU member states and by all Permanent and Non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council.
She referred to “blatant threats of violence and saber rattling which involved Turkish warships and aircraft, air and naval exercises in the sea south of Cyprus, and illegal seismic surveying and seabed mapping, carried out by ships on behalf of Turkey inside our EEZ in blatant violation of Cypriot sovereign rights”. She also mentioned the signing by Turkey of an agreement with its proxy in the occupied part of Cyprus, an agreement which seeks to create the semblance of legality in what cannot possibly be legal.
“But Turkey does not stop there. Its newfound confidence, based on real or imagined successes, its economic growth, and, I am sorry to say, the unbridled support it receives in some countries, has given rise to a neighbourhood bully”, she said.
Markoullis said that Turkey cares very little about the Turkish Cypriots and a great deal about its own selfish interests.
“It is even making claims for an imagined EEZ of its own which in some places borders on the EEZ of Egypt! It would be no exaggeration to say that Turkey is not just violating international law; it is following a conduct in international relations which belongs to another century, before international law was put in place to guide relations between states”, she said.
Reminding Cyprus’ support for Turkey’s European aspirations, she expressed her disappointment when seeing Turkey failing to progress along its European path.
“The negotiation process is not progressing; in fact it has remained frozen, because Turkey is failing to meet the European standards and its commitments to the European Union. It is failing because, like in international law, Turkey wants to dictate its own terms to the European Union”, she said.
“We are hopeful that the Turkey, which aspires to be recognised as a regional if not a global leader, will rise to the occasion. We are hopeful that the Turkish leadership will put aside polemics, diatribes, threats, and adopt a more mild and statesmanlike tone and attitude. We believe that there is room for Turkey to cooperate with its neighbours, out of genuine desire toward common ground and mutual benefit. To do that, Turkey must meet its obligations vis a vis the European Union. It must meet its obligations in terms of international law”, she said.
Referring to the UN-led direct talks for a solution in Cyprus, she said that after three years and 120 direct meetings between the two leaders, there is still no substantive progress on the most crucial issues of the executive powers in the governance chapter, as well as in the refugee, property, territory and citizenship chapters.
She explained that the main stumbling block has all along been the position maintained by the Turkish Cypriot side, fully supported by the Turkish Government, that the goal should not be a federation, in the form of one unbreakable federal state, with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship, as has been agreed and endorsed by the international community, but a confederal arrangement between two separate states with separate sovereignties.
“Despite the difficulties and obstacles on the way, we continue to persist in our efforts to reunify our country in the form of a bizonal, bicommunal federation”, she said.
She added that the developments from the hydrocarbon discoveries in Cyprus’ EEZ, the prospects for prosperity for all Cypriots once reunification is achieved appear tremendous and should work as a catalyst in the direction of moving forward the talks towards reaching an agreement. She expressed the hope that Turkey, which could significantly benefit from a likely cooperation with a reunited Cyprus in all sectors, but primarily in the energy field, will grasp the message of peace, stability and prosperity.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
German Chancellor Merkel urges Turkey to open its ports to ships and planes from Cyprus
SELCAN HACAOGLU, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, January 22, 2010
Statements by the Foreign Minister on the Orams case
(PIO) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou, invited by the press to say how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to utilize the British Court of Appeal decision in the case Apostolides v Orams, stated the following:
“The implementation and the execution of the decision is now a legal obligation and we will be following the developments closely. Of course, of exceptional importance to us are the broader consequences and the wider significance of this decision in conjunction with the important Judgement of the European Court, which was in essence adopted by the British Court as well. This decision points out certain legal facts that are very important.
First of all, it is applicable throughout Europe and it applies to all European citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will become active - we have already been active since the decision of the European Court but now we will become more active, so that the significance of the decision, the illegality of purchasing immovable property and the existing risks for the buyers in illegally purchasing occupied property can be made known to all European citizens. Consequently it is a decision that binds all the member states and the citizens of the European Union and can be executed in the countries where they live.
Secondly, which is also very important, the combination of the European and British decision reaffirms that - irrespective of the occupation and the practical weakness of the state to exercise control on the occupied areas - the Laws and the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus still apply. This is a message that must be sent, not only to the citizens, the private buyers, but also to the governments of all foreign states, especially the European ones, and all those carrying out business in the occupied areas; the reminder that anything they do must be done with respect for the Laws of the Republic of Cyprus, and of course this also applies for the European Commission which, through various regulations that have been adopted to strengthen the Turkish Cypriot community, is active in the occupied areas.
Thirdly, and this concerns of course the talks in Cyprus, the legitimacy of the positions presented by our side is reaffirmed concerning, not only who the legitimate owners of occupied properties are, but also who should have a say in the management and the fate of this right, who is of course the owner.
So, I totally disagree with the approach of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I do not believe that this decision will complicate the talks. On the contrary, it reaffirms the legitimacy of our proposals and I believe that this should be accepted also by the other side”.
“The implementation and the execution of the decision is now a legal obligation and we will be following the developments closely. Of course, of exceptional importance to us are the broader consequences and the wider significance of this decision in conjunction with the important Judgement of the European Court, which was in essence adopted by the British Court as well. This decision points out certain legal facts that are very important.
First of all, it is applicable throughout Europe and it applies to all European citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will become active - we have already been active since the decision of the European Court but now we will become more active, so that the significance of the decision, the illegality of purchasing immovable property and the existing risks for the buyers in illegally purchasing occupied property can be made known to all European citizens. Consequently it is a decision that binds all the member states and the citizens of the European Union and can be executed in the countries where they live.
Secondly, which is also very important, the combination of the European and British decision reaffirms that - irrespective of the occupation and the practical weakness of the state to exercise control on the occupied areas - the Laws and the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus still apply. This is a message that must be sent, not only to the citizens, the private buyers, but also to the governments of all foreign states, especially the European ones, and all those carrying out business in the occupied areas; the reminder that anything they do must be done with respect for the Laws of the Republic of Cyprus, and of course this also applies for the European Commission which, through various regulations that have been adopted to strengthen the Turkish Cypriot community, is active in the occupied areas.
Thirdly, and this concerns of course the talks in Cyprus, the legitimacy of the positions presented by our side is reaffirmed concerning, not only who the legitimate owners of occupied properties are, but also who should have a say in the management and the fate of this right, who is of course the owner.
So, I totally disagree with the approach of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I do not believe that this decision will complicate the talks. On the contrary, it reaffirms the legitimacy of our proposals and I believe that this should be accepted also by the other side”.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
ECHR finds Turkey guilty...again
The Court found violations of the right to life in the cases of Kallis and Androulla Panayi v. Turkey and Andreou v. Turkey. The applicants complained about injuries and a death caused by the Turkish armed forces in the United Nations buffer zone in Cyprus.
European Court condemns Turkey of human rights violations in Cyprus
(Financial Mirror) - The fourth section of the European Court of Human Rights issued today its decisions on two cases Greek Cypriots brought against Turkey, condemning Ankara of violation of the right to life, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human rights.
The first case, concerning the application of Kallis and Androulla Panayi against Turkey, the Court ruled that there was a violation of Article 2, of the Convention and awarded 35,000 euro each in respect of non-pecuniary damages and 9,888,30 euro for costs and expenses.
Androulla and Kallis Panayi's son, Stellios, 19, at the time serving with the armed forces, was killed in June 1996 by the Turkish occupation forces when he entered the UN buffer zone, while off duty and unarmed. When members of the UN Peace keeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) attempted to reach him in order to provide medical treatment needed to save his life, the Turkish armed forces fired and did not allow it, as a result of which he died.
The Turkish government disputed the facts presented by the applicants, claiming that Panayi was ''fully armed, making gestures by hand and calling the Turkish Cypriot soldiers to go over to him.''
Disputing Turkey's allegations that Panayi was armed, the Court ruled ''that although Stelios had been wearing uniform and hence one could have assumed that he might have carried a gun, that fact alone could not in the circumstances have justified the shots fired at him,'' adding ''the Turkish soldiers had been in complete control of the area and Stelios’ behaviour had not posed a threat to them; consequently the soldiers would have been able to stop him without jeopardising his life.''
''The Court found unanimously that Stelios Panayi had been killed by representatives of the Turkish authorities who had used excessive force, not justified by the circumstances of the case, in violation of Article 2,'' the judgment said.
The second case concerns Georgia Andreou, now deceased, a British national who was shot by Turkish soldiers on 14 August 1996, during the tensions that followed the death Anastasios Isaak, kicked and beaten to death by Turkish-Cypriot policemen and counter-demonstrators three days earlier at a motorcycle rally in protest against the Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.
Although outside the buffer zone, she sustained a serious gunshot wound to her abdomen; she was immediately taken to hospital where she was operated on. Moreover, according to a press release, issued following the incident by the UN Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), two of its high-ranking members had seen uniformed Turkish or Turkish-Cypriot military personnel kneeling down and firing in the direction of the demonstrators inside the UN buffer zone.
As a result, two British UNFICYP soldiers and two Greek-Cypriot civilians (one of whom was the applicant) were hit by gunfire. According to the ECHR, this version of events was also confirmed in a report by the UN Secretary General.
''The indiscriminate and unwarranted firing into the crowd which was gathering inside and outside the buffer zone had put numerous lives at risk. The fact that the applicant had not been killed was fortuitous. Nor was the seriousness of her injuries, corroborated by the medical reports, in dispute between the parties. The Court therefore considered that, irrespective of whether or not the soldiers had actually intended to kill Ms Andreou, she had been the victim of conduct which by its very nature had put her life at risk, even though, in the event, she had actually survived. Article 2 was therefore applicable in the applicant’s case,'' the Court ruling notes.
Consequently, under Article 41 (just satisfaction) of the Convention, the Court awarded Ms Andreou’s husband and children 585,68 euro (EUR) in respect of pecuniary damages, EUR 40,000 in respect of non-pecuniary damages and EUR 10,000 in respect of costs and expenses.
The first case, concerning the application of Kallis and Androulla Panayi against Turkey, the Court ruled that there was a violation of Article 2, of the Convention and awarded 35,000 euro each in respect of non-pecuniary damages and 9,888,30 euro for costs and expenses.
Androulla and Kallis Panayi's son, Stellios, 19, at the time serving with the armed forces, was killed in June 1996 by the Turkish occupation forces when he entered the UN buffer zone, while off duty and unarmed. When members of the UN Peace keeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) attempted to reach him in order to provide medical treatment needed to save his life, the Turkish armed forces fired and did not allow it, as a result of which he died.
The Turkish government disputed the facts presented by the applicants, claiming that Panayi was ''fully armed, making gestures by hand and calling the Turkish Cypriot soldiers to go over to him.''
Disputing Turkey's allegations that Panayi was armed, the Court ruled ''that although Stelios had been wearing uniform and hence one could have assumed that he might have carried a gun, that fact alone could not in the circumstances have justified the shots fired at him,'' adding ''the Turkish soldiers had been in complete control of the area and Stelios’ behaviour had not posed a threat to them; consequently the soldiers would have been able to stop him without jeopardising his life.''
''The Court found unanimously that Stelios Panayi had been killed by representatives of the Turkish authorities who had used excessive force, not justified by the circumstances of the case, in violation of Article 2,'' the judgment said.
The second case concerns Georgia Andreou, now deceased, a British national who was shot by Turkish soldiers on 14 August 1996, during the tensions that followed the death Anastasios Isaak, kicked and beaten to death by Turkish-Cypriot policemen and counter-demonstrators three days earlier at a motorcycle rally in protest against the Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.
Although outside the buffer zone, she sustained a serious gunshot wound to her abdomen; she was immediately taken to hospital where she was operated on. Moreover, according to a press release, issued following the incident by the UN Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), two of its high-ranking members had seen uniformed Turkish or Turkish-Cypriot military personnel kneeling down and firing in the direction of the demonstrators inside the UN buffer zone.
As a result, two British UNFICYP soldiers and two Greek-Cypriot civilians (one of whom was the applicant) were hit by gunfire. According to the ECHR, this version of events was also confirmed in a report by the UN Secretary General.
''The indiscriminate and unwarranted firing into the crowd which was gathering inside and outside the buffer zone had put numerous lives at risk. The fact that the applicant had not been killed was fortuitous. Nor was the seriousness of her injuries, corroborated by the medical reports, in dispute between the parties. The Court therefore considered that, irrespective of whether or not the soldiers had actually intended to kill Ms Andreou, she had been the victim of conduct which by its very nature had put her life at risk, even though, in the event, she had actually survived. Article 2 was therefore applicable in the applicant’s case,'' the Court ruling notes.
Consequently, under Article 41 (just satisfaction) of the Convention, the Court awarded Ms Andreou’s husband and children 585,68 euro (EUR) in respect of pecuniary damages, EUR 40,000 in respect of non-pecuniary damages and EUR 10,000 in respect of costs and expenses.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Greek Prime Minister meets President Christofias
Reuters Pictures
Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou walks with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias during his state visit to the east Mediterranean island, in Larnaca October 19, 2009. The two leaders meet to discuss Turkey's prospects of entering the EU and their bilateral relations.
(Latest News Archive, From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server)
- President Christofias meets Greek Prime Minister
- Statements by President Christofias and the Prime Minister of Greece
- Address by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias at the state dinner in Honour of the Prime Minister of Greece Mr George Papandreou
1. President Christofias meets Greek Prime Minister
The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias had a meeting yesterday at the Presidential Palace with the newly-elected Greek Prime Minister Mr George Papandreou, who is paying a two-day official visit to Cyprus, his first official visit abroad since assuming office.
Mr Papandreou, heading a delegation, arrived yesterday morning at Larnaka Airport where he was welcomed by President Christofias, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou and the Undersecretary to the President Dr Titos Christofides.
The official welcoming ceremony for the Greek Premier was held at noon yesterday at the Presidential Palace. President Christofias and Prime Minister Papandreou then entered the Presidential Palace for a tête-à-tête meeting, followed by talks with the participation of their delegations.
Mr Papandreou later signed the Presidential Palace guest book, in which he wrote the following:
“Greece is once again by the side of the Cyprus Republic, actively, not in words but in practice. No one must forget, and we don’t forget, that the cause of the Cyprus problem is the invasion and occupation by Turkish troops. We are ready to cooperate with the leadership of Cyprus, President Demetris Christofias, for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN decisions and in agreement and harmony with the European acquis communautaire”.
2. Statements by President Christofias and the Prime Minister of Greece
Greece and Cyprus have decided to continue their cooperation to promote a solution to the Cyprus problem and to utilize the December landmark, when Turkey’s EU course will be assessed, the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Prime Minister of Greece Mr George Papandreou stated, yesterday, after their official talks in Nicosia.
“It is the common conviction of Greece and Cyprus that Turkey’s EU course would be to the benefit of both countries”, Mr Papandreou said.
He added that he is not in favour of a special relationship of Turkey with the EU, but supports the possibility, the right of Turkey to become a full member of the EU, as long as it fulfills its obligations to the EU and contributes to the solution of the Cyprus problem.
He also said that it is necessary to utilize the European framework in the most effective way and noted that the European Council of December is important because it will assess Turkey's EU course, objectively and strictly.
Mr Papandreou said that the efforts will continue, always with the aim of peace and cooperation among the peoples of the region, adding that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be just and viable.
President Christofias expressed his warm thanks and gratitude because Cyprus and the Cyprus problem constitute a personal priority of Mr Papandreou and his Government.
He said that Greece is Cyprus’ main supporter in the struggle for the solution of the Cyprus problem, and that with Mr Papandreou they discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and Euro -Turkish relations, noting that there is full identity of views.
President Christofias assured that he will continue to work for the solution of the Cyprus problem with the same determination and stressed that he expects the same stance from the Turkish Cypriot side.
He further said that Turkey’s good will and cooperation is needed, but unfortunately, so far, Turkey has done nothing in the direction of the solution or of fulfilling its obligations to the EU.
Cyprus and Greece support Turkey's European prospect, but not without preconditions, he said, and underlined the need to utilize the December landmark.
3. Address by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias at the state dinner in Honour of the Prime Minister of Greece Mr George Papandreou
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Cyprus once again, friend George Papandreou, this time as Prime Minister of Greece. I wish you, Mr. Prime Minister, every success in the work you are undertaking at such a difficult but also decisive moment.
Cyprus and Greece have been linked since ancient times and constantly over the centuries. Greeks and Cypriots have always responded to every call of Cyprus and Greece respectively for help at difficult times, ready for every personal and collective assistance and sacrifice. We are also united by the firm, irrefutable, deep roots of a common language, conscience, common culture, common religion and common values.
Allow me, Mr. Prime Minister, to express, on behalf of the Cypriot people and myself personally, warm thanks, because as you have repeatedly and publicly stated, Cyprus is your personal priority as well as the priority, of your new Government. The international recognition and respect bestowed on you, as well as your active and tireless involvement in foreign policy issues will undoubtedly assist our common effort for a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem. A solution which will be based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, international law and the principles on which the EU is based. A solution which will put an end to the illegal Turkish occupation and will free Cyprus of foreign troops and illegal settlers.
In this effort for the reunification of Cyprus, Mr. Prime Minister, we need the assistance of all, but primarily we look forward to your assistance and co-operation on the basis of the mutual support and respect between two states bound by fraternal relations.
I take this opportunity to thank you whole-heartedly for your full support of our initiatives and efforts for the solution of the problem. I would like to assure you that our co-operation for the accomplishment of our common goals will be close and on a daily basis.
Dear friend, Mr. Prime Minister, after the fall of the dictatorship in Greece, relations between Cyprus and Greece, between the Cypriot and the Greek peoples, were placed on a new basis of mutual respect, solidarity and fraternal friendship and cooperation.
During all these years of the terrible ordeal of the difficult anti-occupation struggle, the leadership and the people of Cyprus have felt the warm embrace of the people, the political forces and the democratic Governments of Greece.
Any problems appearing during this course were not able to cast a shadow on the multifaceted and excellent fraternal relations between the states and the peoples of Greece and Cyprus.
The enhancement of the multifaceted, excellent relations between Cyprus and Greece gained momentum after Cyprus' accession to the European Union. The horizons for common action in all fields have expanded dramatically and the possibilities of co-operation in the political, economic, educational and cultural sectors, both bilaterally and in the framework of international organizations, have multiplied.
During our talks today we observed a natural identity of views on the issues of intense common interest, the Cyprus problem and the Euro-Turkish issues. At the same time, we expressed our will for further development of our multifaceted and excellent bilateral relations and our convergence on regional and international issues: the political problems of our region, as well as wider international problems such as the scourge of famine, the dangers of climate change and the global economic crisis. It is not just that we find common points of reference in the framework of our co-operation within the European Union. It is also that we share the view that man should be at the epicenter of politics, of the economy and of every human activity.
Mr. Prime Minister,
Ordinary people and the effort to secure a life of dignity for all has always been at the heart of my political route. At the same time, in a semi-occupied Cyprus with our future survival as a small country under serious threat, the political party which I come from and I, myself, feel a strong sense of duty towards our homeland.
As you know, since the first moment of my election to the position of President of the Republic I have undertaken initiatives and made gestures of good will in order to finally overcome the deadlock and achieve the desired solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of Cyprus. After the preliminary work and the clarification of the basis of the talks we began, on 3 September 2008, comprehensive negotiations with Mr. Talat.
The basis of the talks is determined and it originates from the Security Council Resolutions and the High Level Agreements of 1977 and 1979. It is this basis of a United Federal Cyprus Republic, which is composed of two federal entities and is a state with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship that we confirmed with Mr. Talat before the commencement of the direct talks. Furthermore, the fact that Mr. Talat rose to the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community with the support of the progressive, pro-peace parties due to his positions in favour of the need for a speedy solution of the Cyprus problem that would reunify Cyprus, raised the expectation of the public at large that progress at the talks would normally be relatively easy. Unfortunately, this expectation did not materialize. Despite convergence on some issues, significant divergence and disagreements on fundamental aspects of the problem still remain.
Nevertheless, I would like to assure you that we are not disappointed by the difficulties and we remain committed to our goal, steadfast on principles and facing the difficulties with a calm attitude, as well as with good will and flexibility. What is at stake is of vital importance and it relates to our survival. Therefore, we have a historic responsibility to work consistently and with determination for the success of this endeavour.
Our goal is a free, independent and prosperous Cyprus, in which all citizens, regardless of ethnic origin, will be equal and enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without restrictions and foreign guardianships.
The Greek Cypriot community, under the leadership of the late President Makarios, made the great historic compromise in accepting the transformation of the unitary state to a bicommunal bizonal federation, aiming to pave the way for a solution of the Cyprus problem.
Unfortunately, Turkey has not been helpful so far. The National Security Council’s official Press releases and similarly, the statements of the political leadership of Turkey, stand in favour of a solution that is contrary to the relevant UN Resolutions and outside the common basis that was agreed before the commencement of the negotiations. Consequently, public statements from Turkey about supporting the process remain void of substantial content.
We have the political will and we are ready for an agreement which will reunite the country, the economy, the institutions and our people. If Turkey shows a positive spirit and acts within the framework of respect for international law and human rights, then the necessary prerequisites will be created for a speedy solution to the Cyprus problem. This is so, because such behaviour will have a positive effect in the direction of both sides/ speaking the language of federation during the talks and we will reach a solution.
It is Turkey’s obligation to do this, as it is its obligation to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, normalize its relations with it and implement the Ankara Protocol. Unfortunately, however, Turkey continues not to comply with its obligations towards the EU.
Cyprus and Greece consciously take a positive stance towards the full accession of Turkey to the EU. However, accession does not entail only benefits for Turkey but also obligations, the same as for every other candidate country.
This coming December the EU will evaluate Turkey’s progress as to the extent to which it has proceeded with the necessary reforms and whether it is fulfiling its obligations. We will stand firm on our demand that the evaluation be just and objective and that where there are deficiencies there will be no blank-checks. We are not aiming for the punishment of Turkey, but the fulfilment of the obligations it has undertaken and, foremost, at its positive contribution to the solution of the Cyprus problem. If however, Turkey continues to act arrogantly and provocatively and refuses to fulfil its obligations, it must become clear, that it cannot continue on the road to accession, unhindered and without repercussions.
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
In this effort we are aided by the Greek Government and the Greek people and we are optimistic that with patience and the adherence to principles we will succeed.
Allow me to raise a toast to your and your family’s, health. I also wish you every success with your work and progress and prosperity to the people of Greece.
Barking up the wrong trees
(Cyprus Weekly) - It’s all well and good for President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to plant olive trees in a symbolic, albeit tacky, ceremony at the UN headquarters yesterday.
The picture of the two leaders - and that of the UN envoy watering the two saplings to demonstrate that the world body wants to help the peace process along - will doubtless strike a chord as the international community looks for closure of the long-running dispute in Cyprus.
But no amount of tree planting will bring results on the ground. And it will take more than goodwill and cordial ties between the leaders of the two communities to reach a settlement that will be lasting, if it is both just and viable.
The Greek Cypriot side and this newspaper may sound like a stuck record. But, in the final analysis, it is Ankara that holds the key to peace. And it is Ankara that must be made to understand that it does not befit a country seeking a place in the European Union to occupy another country, a member of the very club it wants to join.
And this is where the European Commission has let us down. This is the body that proclaims its role to be the interests of the EU as a whole rather than the interests of individual member states.
Yet, when it came to assessing Turkey’s accession progress it opted to placate, rather than to tell an aspiring EU member that the least it could do is comply with what has been asked of it – such as recognising the Republic of Cyprus and opening its ports and airports to Cyprus traffic.
If the EU can look the other way when a country so blatantly ignores its rules, then why does it make such a big deal of its accession criteria?
No-one is naive enough to expect an all-out attack against Turkey. Many would argue that this would only be counter-productive, serving to alienate a country the EU and the US firmly believe best suits their interests to be inside the bloc, rather than harbouring grievances outside it.
But this policy will collapse unless Turkey is made to understand that it must earn its place in the EU. And this means adopting its principles – even to a country its does not recognise.
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