Written evidence submitted by Cypriot
Forum for Labour
Notwithstanding the fact that holding two separate
referenda on the Annan Plan is divisive, nevertheless, had the
Annan Plan been approved by both Communities in Cyprus, then and
only then, could the UK continue to back it. It should be noted
that the Greek Cypriots who form 82% of the island's population
rejected the Plan by a majority of 76%. The Turkish minority of
17% who mostly approved the Plan included also the illegal immigrants
from Turkey who are always aided and abetted by Turkey's occupying
forces. The Annan Plan was rejected by the vast majority of Cypriots
because it was unjust and unworkable and it would have rendered
Cyprus a tripartite protectorate of Britain, Greece & Turkey.
Her Majesty's Government should therefore accept the people's
verdict.
The Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the
European Union. The division of the Republic is the direct result
of the illegal occupation by Turkey of almost 40% of the Republic's
territory. (This fact has been confirmed in a series of UN Resolutions,
which aim for the withdrawal of Turkey's troops of occupation.
The UK is a signatory to these UN Resolutions.) In addition, the
case of the Federal Republic of Germany should not be ignored
as a relevant example. In the context of EU recognition and diplomatic
relations it was only the Federal Republic, which was recognised
before the re-unification of Germany. East Germany was excluded
from the EU, until the re-unification of Germany.
The role of the UK in Cyprus should not merely
be that of a referee between the two Communities for the following
reasons.
(a) The essence of the Cyprus issue is that
of illegal military invasion and continued occupation of part
of its territory by Turkey.
(b) The United Kingdom is bound by International
Treaty to defend the independence and territorial integrity of
the Republic of Cyprus.
As the Annan Plan has been rejected by the vast
majority of the people of Cyprus it cannot and should not be re-presented
in its present form. Mr Blair's recent suggestion that the rejected
Plan is "the best way forward" is unfortunate. While
we appreciate Mr Blair's concern, we suggest that he takes constructive
steps to improve the Plan so that it becomes acceptable.
The British Government should not seek to alter
its relationship with the northern part of the Island, because
in so doing it would
(a) Contravene its treaty obligations towards
the internationally recognised legal Republic of Cyprus.
(b) It would imply some form of recognition
of an illegal state and quisling government imposed on the area
by the illegally occupying Power, namely Turkey. Therefore, there
should be no upgrading of the relationship because of the legal
repercussions, which by implication could lead to the recognition
of the illegal regime.
So long as Turkey continues its illegal occupation
of part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus in contravention
of the UN Resolutions, the EU's relations with Turkey should not
and cannot improve. As long as the illegal occupation of the territory
of a member country of the EU continues, the EU should not enter
into any closer relations with Turkey because it would imply deviation
from the hitherto Legal and Moral systems and Principles of the
European Union.
George Hajifanis
Vice Chairman, Cypriot Forum for Labour
13 September 2004
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