 |
 |
EU activism needed for Cyprus settlement
March 5, 2002 12:00 AM
Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, London's Liberal Democrat Euro-MP, has called for a more active European Union intervention to support the Cyprus peace process. She told a meeting at Haringey Civic Centre organised by the Turkish Cypriot Forum for Europe:
"I believe there are a number of confidence-building measures that would help underpin the Denktash-Clerides talks. The EU should offer a package deal that gives a bit to everyone, so as to oil the wheels of compromise. We should not wait for issues of recognition and status to be resolved; the important thing is to boost economic and human contacts now."
"I propose the following 6-point plan of practical measures:
- Turkish Cypriot agreement to the opening of a European Commission Office in North Cyprus (Lefkosa), and an end to the North's obstruction of bi-communal contacts and EU-funded projects;
- Lifting, or at least immediate easing, of the economic embargo on the North;
- Invitation issued directly by the EU (rather than the Republic of Cyprus government) for Turkish Cypriot representatives to take part on an equal footing in accession talks; the island's team to be called simply 'Cyprus';
- Greek Cypriot and EU explicit acknowledgement of the principle of "political equality" rather than minority status for Turkish Cypriots;
- Recognition of the EU as a guarantor of a political settlement and that any future security arrangements must incorporate Turkey;
- Explicit discussions (in place of hints) of possible temporary derogations from the EU 'acquis' of freedom of settlement and property rights.
Sarah Ludford added: "I anticipate a barrage of objections. But the status-quo is not an option. We must be imaginative in order to get progress, and the EU should take a lead."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats