A World of Broken Promises > House of Commons Foreign Affairs
Written Evidence Submitted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, 16 November 2004:
"… 7. The Secretary-General reported comprehensively on his mission of Good Offices in May of this year. We share his judgments on his unprecedented peacemaking effort on Cyprus, and in particular the conclusion that for Cypriots "The prospects for the reunification of their country now rest primarily in their hands." We agree that the Turkish Cypriot "yes" vote has undone any rationale for pressuring and isolating them. We also agree with his call that the international community should "co-operate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development".
EFFECT ON THE NORTH
8. The outcome of the 24 April referendums was a bitter disappointment for the majority of Turkish Cypriots. They remain economically and politically isolated, with no voice in the EU or other international fora…. The international community has a new responsibility towards the Turkish Cypriots. The Government and the EU are seeking ways to put an end to the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, as agreed by EU Foreign Ministers in April at the General Affairs and External Relations Council. Until a reunited Cyprus is within the EU, we should do all we can to ensure that all Cypriots are able to enjoy the benefits (and responsibilities) of membership…
DE -ISOLATING THE NORTH: THE MECHANICS
10. The European Commission produced proposals on 7 July in response to the EU Foreign Ministers' April invitation to "bring forward comprehensive proposals with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island and on improving contact between the two communities and the EU". These proposals envisage the disbursement of 259 million euros of aid to the north and direct trade with EU member states on a tariff quota system. The proposals remain under discussion. We wish to see fully effective regulations on trade and aid implemented as soon as possible. This is in accordance with the political agreement among EU Foreign Ministers of 26 April to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. In the meantime, the Green Line Regulation, also agreed by Foreign Ministers in April, which allows for trade between the north and south of the island, has come into effect. This is welcome, but is unlikely on its own to give a significant boost to the Turkish Cypriot economy. We understand that during the first 10 days' operation of the Green Line Regulation, total trade amounted to less than £3,000.
DIRECT TRANSPORT LINKS
11. In order to reduce the economic divide, the Government wishes to see direct air and maritime links with the north of Cyprus. We are currently examining the feasibility of direct flights, which would have a significant effect on ending the isolation of the north of Cyprus. An economy whose chief asset is its tourism potential must be able to attract tourists. We will continue to work with our international partners to promote the EU's goal of ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, including by better transport links of all kinds. If direct flights did commence between northern Cyprus and the UK, then the airport in northern Cyprus would, of course, have to meet the appropriate standards in safety and security.
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