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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