North Cyprus election results signal European integration wish

3.16.04pm GMT Mon 21st Feb 2005

London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has welcomed the success of progressive and pro-unification parties in the parliamentary elections in North Cyprus on 20th February 2005. She said:

"This result is a boost for efforts to bring peace to Cyprus as they show Turkish Cypriots remain committed to reunification and full integration with the EU."

"I particularly welcome the comment of Mr Talat that 'we will be telling the world once again that the Turkish Cypriots are not separatists and that they seek a solution to the Cyprus issue'."

"This commitment deserves an EU response ending isolation and introducing direct trade and air links as well as financial aid for investment."

Sarah Ludford recently visited north Cyprus with Islington LibDem councillor Meral Ece, meeting Mehmet Ali Talat, Mustafa Akinci and Serdar Denktas as well as Ergun Olgun, adviser to President Rauf Denktas.

She added: "The voter quoted as saying 'all we want is real movement for reunification so that we can all become equal European citizens' is the one we should all be listening to, including Greek Cypriots."

ENDS

Note:

The RTP party of current prime minister Mehmet Ali Talat will be the largest, with 44% of the vote, while the rightwing nationalist National Unity party dropped to 32%. Mustafa Akinci's Peace and Democracy Movement won 6%, with one seat, while Serdar Denktas' Democratic Party won 6 seats with 13% of the vote. A coalition government is expected.