H.E. Pat Cox MEP
President
European Parliament 

Dear Mr Cox,

I have no doubts that you are well aware of the recent history and political developments of the island of Cyprus. Cyprus has always been considered as part of Europe both historically, culturally and geographically, and as you know, has become a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004.

Unfortunately, despite all the efforts, a solution could not be found to the conflict that arose between the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots during the island’s recent history. As we all know, the recently proposed Foundation Agreement in the “Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem,” known as the Annan Plan, was submitted to separate and simultaneous referenda on 24 April 2004 but rejected by the Greek Cypriot people. However, despite their overwhelming rejection of the Annan Plan, the state representing the Greek Cypriot people became a member of EU, whilst the Turkish Cypriots who voted in favour of the implementation of the plan and thus the membership of EU, were left without any representation at EU level. I am sure you will agree with me that, this situation is an example of an extreme anomaly and cannot be accepted either morally or politically.

Excellency,

As you are aware, the elections for the European Parliament will be held on 13 June 2004. As you also know, had the Annan Plan been implemented, in other words, had the Greek Cypriots also approved the plan in the 24 April referendum, two of the six seats allocated for the whole of Cyprus in the European Parliament, would have been utilised by the Turkish Cypriots. Unfortunately, the Greek Cypriots, by rejecting the settlement in the referendum, are claiming inter alia, all six seats of the European Parliament, designated for the whole population of Cyprus.

I am aware that ‘the Cyprus Republic’, which we refer as the ‘Greek Cypriot Republic’, was accepted as a European Union member. However presently, it is also an internationally accepted fact that the Greek Cypriot Republic does not represent the 200.000 strong Turkish Cypriot people. Furthermore, EU recognising the specific situation that currently prevails in Cyprus suspended the application of the aquis communitaire in areas under our control, until a solution is reached on the island.

However, whilst the aquis communitaire is not being implemented in the north of the island, the Greek Cypriots are preparing to elect two parliamentarians who will theoretically represent the 200.000 strong population of the same territory. This is a blatant attempt to redefine the process of democratic elections; whereas the Turkish Cypriots will not be participating in the election process, the two parliamentarians elected will supposedly represent the 200.000 strong Turkish Cypriots! This is an unacceptable situation.

The 6 seats, which were allocated to the island of Cyprus, as you know are directly related to the total population of the island, whereas, the islands’ 200.000 population will not take part in the elections to be held on 13 June 2004. I think this reality is enough to prevent the Greek Cypriots from occupying these six seats in the parliament. The island’s Greek Cypriot population is only sufficient to have four seats in the parliament.

We never had any doubts about the EU’s desire for a permanent solution on the island. However, so far the policies followed by the EU did not bring about the desired outcome. Prior to the referendum and on more than one occasion, we pointed out that the policies followed might lead to a divided Cyprus. Unfortunately, our foresight was justified by the Greek Cypriot vote in the referendum. Although the Greek Cypriots’ rejection of the settlement plan should not prevent us searching for a settlement in Cyprus, I strongly believe that there is an urgent need for the EU, to evaluate the current policy and practices with respect to Cyprus.

The most important factor to encourage the Greek Cypriots towards a settlement is, to openly tell them that they do not have the right to represent the Turkish Cypriots. Moreover, the present matter is not only whether the Greek Cypriots have the right to represent the Turkish Cypriots or not, but at this conjunction the principles of democracy are also at stake. Had it not been for the 200.000 strong Turkish Cypriot populations, Cyprus could only have a representation of four seats in the European Parliament.

Therefore, on behalf of my government and the Turkish Cypriot people I request that, the EU takes all the necessary precautions and measures, to prevent the Greek Cypriots occupying the two seats, that legally and democratically belong to Turkish Cypriots, until such time that a settlement has been reached on the island.

I sincerely hope that the European Parliament will not miss this historic opportunity.