Letters On Cyprus Issue  

European Voice

31 October – 7 November 2001

No EU objectivity on Cyprus

From D. Luciano Moreno

President Prodi and Commissioner Verheugen must be congratulated for their excellent contribution to the Cyprus problem as they have embarked on a visit to the southern part of the island while ignoring the Northern Turkish Cypriot Government.

Indeed, Verheugen’s spokesman Jean-Christophe Filori demonstrates the wisdom of the commission: “Our position is to invite the Turkish Cypriots to be present as part of the official Cypriot delegation” (Euorpean Voice, 25-31 Oct).

While the UN Secretary-General tries to convene the two sides for talks, clearly stating that “neither side represents each other an they are on a perfectly equal basis”, the European Commission continues to regard the Turkish Cypriots as part of the Greek Cypriot Republic which totally lacks constitutional legitimacy. The Commission lost its objectivity and takes sides with the Greek Cypriots, thereby aiming to push the Turkish Cypriots out of the picture.

The European Commission is on a destructive path and must be reminded that the EU cannot afford to be taken hostage by blackmail tactics of Athens. This is a dangerous policy which will create turmoil in the eastern Mediterranean.

It is a very clear sign that Brussels is pushing Turkey outside the European orbit which will hurt Europe more than anybody else.

D. Luciano Moreno  
Fiesole, Italy