Select Committee on Foreign Affairs Written Evidence


Written evidence submitted by Cypriot Community Centre

  We thank you for the opportunity to express our views on the Annan Plan and its implications for a long term solution of the Cyprus Problem. We would like to emphasise that the opinions outlined below result from widespread discussion and consultation within the Cypriot community in Britain over several months, from the time the Annan Plan was first proposed.

WHETHER THE UK SHOULD CONTINUE TO BACK THE ANNAN PLAN

  In essence yes. However the plan is not acceptable as it stands. It is imperative that specific key changes are negotiated and agreed by the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities that make the plan viable. These include implementing one united economy and not two separate banks as proposed in the Annan plan. The right of all, and not just some, refugees to return to their homes. The reduction of the number of settlers remaining on the island to those either born or married there. The return of all Turkish troops and the right of Greek Cypriots to own property in Northern Cyprus, something denied by the Annan plan. The aim of these modifications would be to safeguard human rights for all Cypriots according to the UN Resolutions on Cyprus and the key European Communitaire principles.

THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EU OF THE ADMISSION OF A DIVIDED COUNTRY

  It is clearly not acceptable to maintain a situation where an EU members state ie Cyprus is divided. It is in the interest of Britain as a guarantor of the independence of Cyprus and indeed of the entire EU community to ensure that one member state: Cyprus is not occupied by a potential future member state: Turkey.

WHAT ROLE THE UK SHOULD PLAY IN THE CONTINUING PROCESS OF NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COMMUNITIES ON THE ISLAND

  The UK is uniquely placed as a leading member of the EU and as a nation who has been closely linked with the history and people of Cyprus to restart negotiations between the two communities on the island. It must ensure that such negotiations are based on justice, democracy and international law with the aim of achieving one federal state with one international identity.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE REJECTION OF THE ANNAN PLAN FOR THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND

  Many members of both communities, in particular in the UK have worked hard to maintain good relations for 30 years. It is deeply regrettable that the injustices contained in the Annan plan have adversely affected these relations. We are determined to put this right and to seek a settlement acceptable to Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The rejection of the plan by the Greek Cypriots was not a rejection of a solution, it was a rejection of a plan that was regarded as unjust and non-viable.

WHETHER/HOW THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD SEEK TO ALTER ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND

  The British government should try to overcome in collaboration with the Cyprus government and the EU the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots in the North. The British government should not forge that this isolation is the direct result of the Turkish invasion and is not due to the actions of the Greek Cypriot community. All steps taken should not reinforce the status-quo but should provide aid where appropriate.

IMPLICATION FOR THE EU'S RELATIONSHIP WITH TURKEY

  We are mindful that the EU stands for freedom and democracy of all peoples. This rule should also apply for the people of Turkey. The record of Turkey on human rights for its own people remains deplorable. Turkey, an aggressor country, that has occupied part of Cyprus for the last 30 years should not be permitted to begin negotiations for membership to the EU. A pre-requisite for the consideration of Turkey as a future EU member must be their cessation of the occupation of Cyprus and the application of all the principles that the EU stands for in its own country.

Chris Stylianou

Cypriot Community Centre

14 September 2004





 
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