Bringing Turkish Cypriots into EU mainstream

10.57.01am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 9th Feb 2005

Sarah Ludford MEP and Councillor Meral Ece speaking with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat

Following her visit to north Cyprus and discussion with Turkish Cypriot leaders, accompanied by Islington Council executive member Councillor Meral Ece, London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"The EU needs to deliver on its pledge to end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots. Proposals made by the European Commission for direct trade and €260 million in infrastructure aid, which have been backed by MEPs but need approval now from EU governments, must get the green light quickly."

"While strongly welcoming the new 'Turkish Cypriot Community taskforce' in the European Commission, I call on the EU institutions and national governments urgently to promote additional measures to recognise the Turkish Cypriot community and connect them to the EU mainstream:

· accept and extend invitations to meet and discuss

· abolish visa requirements for holders of 'TRNC passports'

· licence direct flights to Ercan airport

· more technical assistance and training

· participation in EU youth and student exchange schemes

· earmark money for de-mining by Turkish Cypriot forces

· make Turkish an official EU language

· new EU representative in Cyprus should speak Greek and Turkish

Baroness Ludford recalled that, while the EU 'acquis' (body of EU rules) is suspended in the north in the absence of a reunification agreement, Turkish Cypriots have rights as individuals under EU law. She noted that the means to pursue those rights include petitions to the European Parliament, complaints to the European Commission or European Ombudsman, and actions in the European Court of Justice.

"The international community warmly welcomed the 2 to 1 vote by Turkish Cypriots last April in favour of the Annan plan. It would be folly to miss the opportunity to reaffirm that pro-reunification, pro-EU spirit."