FOREIGN MINISTER AVCI’S SPEECH AT THE ITALIAN PARLIAMENT

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý who is currently in Italy for a series of contacts, yesterday (25 September) delivered a speech at the Parliament of Italian Republic.

Following is the full text of the speech delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý:

“Distinguished Members of the Parliament,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour and privilege for me to address to the outstanding members of the parliament of the Italian Republic and I wish to express my gratitude to the radical party for inviting me to deliver a speech at this august parliament, which is a great opportunity for us to convey to the distinguished members of the Italian Parliament the Turkish Cypriot viewpoint on the Cyprus issue.

The historical background to any dispute is invariably an integral part of the dispute, and understanding that background as well as its implications for the negotiations for a settlement is essential to search for a solution. I, therefore, deem it necessary to briefly inform you about some basic facts relating to the recent political history of Cyprus. The Partnership Republic of Cyprus which came into being in 1960 in accordance with the international treaties was destroyed in 1963 by the Greek Cypriot partner in order to annex the island to Greece. Since then, there has not been a joint central administration in Cyprus and each side has ruled itself, while the Greek Cypriot side continues to claim that it is the “government of Cyprus”.

I also find it necessary to state that the destruction of the partnership by the Greek Cypriot side in 1963 definitely resulted in the advent of the Cyprus problem. the deployment of the un force on Cyprus in 1964 to stop the armed attacks of the Greek Cypriot side against the Turkish Cypriot people also confirms that the Cyprus problem began in 1963 as a result of the Greek Cypriots’ efforts to realize the annexation of the island with Greece.

For eleven years between 1963-1974, the Turkish Cypriots outlived the agonies and losses of the Greek Cypriot armed attacks. They were confined to small enclaves. They were subjected to gross violations of human rights –including being rendered refugees over and over again. For 11 years they lived under open air prison conditions. On 15 July 1974, the Greek Junta performed a military takeover in Cyprus in order to annex the island in Greece. The direct result of the irredentist policies of the Greek side prompted turkey to intervene and save the lives of not only the Turkish Cypriots but also the lives of the Greek Cypriots. Allow me to underline that Turkey’s intervention was undertaken in accordance with 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.

Now I wish to share with you in brief the recent developments regarding the negotiation efforts of the Cyprus problem.

Following the Referenda of 24 April 2004 on the UN comprehensive settlement plan, which was overwhelmingly rejected by the Greek Cypriot people upon their leader’s call for it, the Cyprus issue has taken a new turn and a new state of affairs has emerged. After such a strong “no” by the Greek Cypriot side in the separate simultaneous referenda it became, once again, apparent that the Greek Cypriot side is not ready to enter into a power-sharing arrangement with the Turkish Cypriot side.

The separate simultaneous referenda confirmed the fact that there exist two equal peoples on the island, neither of which represents the other. Consequently, it would be untenable to claim that there is a single authority to represent the whole island, disregarding the reality that any solution in Cyprus requires the consent of both sides and both peoples.

The Turkish Cypriot people have clearly done their part and exercised their right to freewill towards a compromise solution. It is now time for the international community to lift the unnecessary restrictions and obstacles on the social, economic and political development of the Turkish Cypriot people. In fact, in his report to the Security Council dated 28 May 2004, the then UN Secretary-General called upon the international community to “cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate the unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development”. I find it appropriate to recall that the new Secretary-General, in his report relevant to Cyprus covering the period of 1 January – 30 June 2007, adopted the same approach and referred to the report of 28 May 2004 of the former UN Secretary-General in which it emphasizes, among others, the lifting of the unjust isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

As you would remember, the EU with its decision on 26 April 2004 decided to end the isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people for many decades and to this end, the EU Commission prepared an integrated package of measures, consisting of financial aid and direct trade regulations. The Financial Aid Regulation, underwent numerous changes enough to deviate it from its main purpose, was passed. However, the Direct Trade Regulation, which is the main tool in ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots by making it possible for them to trade with EU countries, is pending, despite the continuing promises of our European counterparts. Needless to say that the Greek Cypriot’s effort in this regard is the primary reason. Since 26 April 2004, the date when the EU decision was adopted, the EU and the member countries could still not overcome the rigid stance of Greek Cypriot administration. This ill-intentioned Greek Cypriot position proves beyond any doubt that the unilateral membership of the Greek Cypriot side into EU without reaching a settlement in Cyprus, did not play the catalyst role it was supposed to play. This tilted the already uneven playing field in favour of the Greek Cypriots, complicating further the Cyprus issue. Now that Portugal is holding the EU Presidency, we wish to repeat our well-considered position that the Direct Trade Regulation should be passed without further delay enabling the Turkish Cypriot side to trade with the EU countries through its own ports. I wish to appeal to the Italian Parliament to urge the Italian government to extend support in this respect, which I believe will go a long way and correct this injustice.

As the Turkish Cypriot side, we believe that a negotiated comprehensive settlement is long-overdue and the lack of such a settlement carries the risk of instability. In view of this, the Turkish Cypriot side has participated in the negotiations in a constructive manner and made numerous openings to achieve a settlement. The Turkish Cypriot side’s suggestion for the establishment of technical committees between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots to overcome the difficulties that arise in the daily lives of both Turkish and Greek Cypriot peoples led to the 8 July process, the main objective of which was to commence full-fledged negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus. These negotiations were to start naturally after a brief preparation period. However, the Greek Cypriot side considers the 8 July process as an excellent opportunity not only to escape the international pressure it had faced following its rejection of the Annan plan but also to clog the process itself by employing delaying tactics. The Greek Cypriot’s strategy of keeping the process open-ended aims at extracting concessions through exploiting Turkey’s EU accession negotiations, thereby doing away with the well-established UN parameters and the body of work for a settlement. Furthermore, this also continues to consolidate the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people and runs contrary to the efforts of building trust between the two peoples.

The Greek Cypriot Leader Tassos Papadopoulos’s remarks at the General Assembly of the United Nations before world leaders suffice to shed light on the position of the Greek Cypriot side. He stated that the only solution to the Cyprus problem acceptable to the Greek Cypriot side is to be achieved through the assimilation of the Turkish Cypriot people within the Greek Cypriot state.

In line with this strategy of the Greek Cypriot side, Mr. Papadopoulos has turned down the repeated calls of our President for a meeting between the two leaders to overcome the impasse on the efforts for a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus. He responded positively a year later and coincidently six months prior to the 2008 February elections in South Cyprus.

Upon the initiative of the Turkish Cypriot side, the two leaders met on 5 September 2007 within the framework of good-offices mission of the UN Secretary-General. Believing that an urgent solution is required, the Turkish Cypriot side, at the meeting, proposed that full-fledged negotiations between the two sides at the leaders level start on the basis of the UN parameters and the body of work, following a preparation period of not exceeding two and half months and that the end of the year 2008 is targeted for the solution of the Cyprus problem. I am sure you would appreciate that this is a very sincere and bold proposal put forward on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side.

These constructive proposals of the Turkish Cypriot side to accelerate the 8 July process with a view to reaching a settlement were declined, out of hand, by the Greek Cypriot side. This bears proof of the fact that the Greek Cypriot leader did not participate in the meeting with the aim of expediting the process but rather it agreed for the meeting merely as a part of the pre-election strategy.

This clearly reveals that as long as the international community continues to treat the Greek Cypriot administration as if it were “the legitimate government of Cyprus”, expecting a favorable conclusion in any process of negotiation would be a very optimistic approach.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would also like to give some information about the current economic situation in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

While our initiatives for lifting the isolation on the Turkish Cypriot people continue, our government makes every effort and works diligently to take the necessary steps in the way of achieving a sustainable economic development in the country.

Northern Cyprus implements a liberal economic system under which the promotion of the private sector with limited government intervention, the rational use of natural resources, the encouragement of investments that generate high added value and employment are given priority. Trade, tourism, education, transportation and industrial sectors are attached great importance within the framework of the liberal economic policy the government has adopted.

Encouragement of foreign investment is among the primary objectives of our development policy. Consequently those wishing to invest in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus can be certain of a positive government attitude. In this connection, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is keen to welcome investors from all over the world. Our relevant authorities are at the disposal and service of potential investors and businessmen who would like to learn more about the extensive tourism and business opportunities that exist in the TRNC.

In accordance with its development policy, preferential treatment is accorded to export-oriented industries. Priority is given to those projects that facilitate the transfer of modern technology, know-how and new management techniques into the country.

Northern Cyprus is emerging as a center of higher education in the region and houses 6 excellent universities which provide higher education to more than 40 thousand students from over 60 countries, charging very reasonable fees. I am happy to say that the number of students is increasing very rapidly. The higher education sector is a leading sector which contributes remarkably to the economy alongside tourism. The medium of instruction in all six universities is English and these institutions offer education at very high standards in diverse fields with very experienced teaching staff from different countries. Some of our universities have educational agreements with various universities from the USA, UK and others.

The universities in the TRNC face unjust restrictions instigated by the Greek Cypriot administration. The Greek Cypriot side tries to block every effort of our universities to establish cooperation with the universities in other countries. Needless to say that such an effort is to be viewed as a fundamental human rights violation with real damaging consequences for the lives and careers of students and the future of higher education in North Cyprus.

We requested the inclusion of our highly qualified universities in the Bologna process. However, it was obstructed by the Greek Cypriot side. In this respect, I appeal all of you to extend support to be become part of this process and to enable our universities to establish cooperation with the Italian universities so that the isolation in this field could be eased.

In addition to the higher education, tourism is one other leading services sector activity in North Cyprus. With its hospitable people, rich cultural heritage, unspoilt, unpolluted natural beauty, plenty of luxurious hotels and restaurants which provide Mediterranean and international cuisine, Northern Cyprus is a most sought after destination for tourists.

The main hurdle for the development of the tourism sector is the lack of direct flights to and from our country - a prime example of the restrictions. The requirement of a stopover of aircrafts in Turkey increases the time and cost of the flight and causes undue inconvenience to the visitors. However, we still maintain an effective air link with the outside world via Turkey, by both public and private airline companies.

In this context, we call upon the international community to end this discrimination which is a blatant violation of the basic human rights of the Turkish Cypriots and of international visitors.

Thank you.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Turgay Avcý, currently in Rome, on his second day, he visited the Italian Parliament.

According to the Anatolian News Agency (AA), Avcý was received by the MPs of the Radical Party which is one of the coalition partners of the Italian government.

In a press meeting held at the Italian Parliament Avcý presented passports and identity certificates of TRNC citizenship to Italian Transnational Radical Party (TRP) MP Maurizio Turco and a member of the TRP Marco Perduca.

Speaking during the press meeting Avcý thanked Italy and the Radical Party for their efforts to overcome the unjust treatments against the TRNC and to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus issue.

Two Italian Radical Party members who received TRNC citizenship, speaking during the meeting, thanked Avcý for the acceptance of their citizenship application which they made during their visit to the TRNC on 30 July 2007 and expressed their pleasure to receive the passports.

Italian Transnational Radical Party (TRP) MP Maurizio Turco stated that although the Greek Cypriots had not kept their promises to the EU for accepting the Annan plan, they became an EU member. He reminded that today there existed two peoples and states in Cyprus and the problem could only be solved if the two sides negotiated on equal grounds. He added: “We hope that the TRNC would become an EU as soon as possible”.

For his part, a member of the TRP Marco Perduca pointed out that contrary to the Greek Cypriot administration’s claims, he had not observed any atmosphere of an “occupation”, and said: “In fact there exists a democratic state, fully functioning with its institutions. The EU should keep its promises towards eliminating the unjust treatments against Turkish Cypriots. Our attempt to receive TRNC citizenship is because we wanted to make the voice of Turkish Cypriots heard”.

As part of his contacts in Rome, Mr. Avcý also addressed members of the Italian Parliament’s Committees for Foreign Relations, Education, Culture, Science, Trade and Tourism.

The Foreign Minister will leave Italy tomorrow for the United States where he will attend meetings of the Organization of Islamic Conference.

Following is the weekly press conference issued by Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica:

“As a result of the recent developments, the kind of isolation the Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to and the identities of those who are striving to maintain the isolation have once again been confirmed.

As followed by the press, the ferry services between Syria and Northern Cyprus recommenced last Saturday. The authorities who have worked hard to reopen this route should be congratulated.

The reactions of the Greek Cypriot side concerning the reopening of Famagusta – Latakia route and their efforts to stop these trips feels like nothing but hostility. It is evident that the Greek Cypriot side will do its best to stop these trips and will not refrain from exploiting its relations with Syria against the Turkish Cypriots. Therefore, it becomes quite clear that the isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots are solely originating from the efforts of the Greek Cypriots.

The annual implementation reports of the Green Line Regulation and Financial Aid Regulation put into implementation by the EU have been published last week.

While stating in the Financial Aid Regulation assessment report the difficulties experienced during implementation, some problems which came into being during implementation as a result of the loss of time arising from the delay during the ratification process of the Regulation, and the risk of delays in the implementation of the physical investment projects as the articles concerning the property issue were included in the Regulation before it was ratified were also pointed out. It will certainly be remembered that, as a result of the Greek Cypriot hindrance, the Financial Aid Regulation was ratified 18 months later than the date the European Commission had envisaged in the first place and again, as a result of their persistence, by including the articles before the Financial Aid Regulation was ratified, all the elasticity to overcome the probable difficulties concerning the property issue have been rendered ineffective.

It is evident that it is solely the Greek Cypriot side that is responsible for all the difficulties experienced concerning this issue.

It is almost the same for the Green Line Regulation as well. Although the volume of trade has increased 100% in a year, it is also known that this volume has not reached to a significant level. It has clearly been stated in the assessment report that the fact that Greek Cypriot authorities have been obstructing the Turkish Cypriot lorries from crossing over to the South, do not allow the Turkish Cypriot advertisements to be published in the South or any products bearing Turkish brands on the shelves are the reasons of this insufficient growth. The difficulties experienced concerning honey and fish products which have been included in the framework of the Green Line Regulation are nothing but the outcome of the Greek Cypriot initiatives to exploit their EU membership against the Turkish Cypriots.

It is not possible to reconcile the efforts of the Greek Cypriot side to maintain the isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots with the efforts of finding a settlement of peace to the Cyprus problem. This is the main reason of the fact that the Greek Cypriot side has been refraining from commencing the comprehensive settlement negotiations or establishing the Technical Committees aiming to restore the relations between the two peoples in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot side has been following a long term strategy based on exploiting the advantages of its EU membership and other international relations against the Turkish Cypriots. At the end of this term, they wish to integrate the Turkish Cypriots into their own state system by means of osmosis.