| Author: Robert Ellis 20 February 2011 - Issue : 923 |
Thousands of Turkish Cypriots stage a rally in northern Cyprus, Nicosia 28 January 2011 against economic austerity measures introduced by Turkish Cypriot authorities. The demonstration and strike called by 28 labour unions and associations was in response to authorities' attempts to cut salaries in its public sector and embark on a programme of privatization. At least 10,000 Turkish Cypriots took part in the protest. | EPA/KATIA CHRISTODOULOU
Twelve years ago former Turkish prime minister Mesut Yilmaz declared that Turkey’s road to Europe went through Diyarbakir, the capital of south-east Turkey. Since 2005 it would be more correct to claim that it goes through Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus.
The main stumbling block on Turkey’s path is the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement, which Turkey signed in July 2005 after being persuaded by Tony Blair that it was a “legal fact” that Turkey’s signature did not involve the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. The EU took a different view and reminded Turkey that its accompanying declaration of non-recognition was unilateral and had no legal effect on Turkey’s obligations under the Protocol.
Consequently, Turkey’s refusal to open its ports and airspace to Cypriot registered shipping and aircraft has resulted in not only eight negotiating chapters being frozen by the European Council but a further ten being blocked because of French and Cypriot opposition. The result is now a stalemate with only three chapters being left to open.
If you like to read the whole story click: NEW EUOROPE
The main stumbling block on Turkey’s path is the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement, which Turkey signed in July 2005 after being persuaded by Tony Blair that it was a “legal fact” that Turkey’s signature did not involve the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. The EU took a different view and reminded Turkey that its accompanying declaration of non-recognition was unilateral and had no legal effect on Turkey’s obligations under the Protocol.
Consequently, Turkey’s refusal to open its ports and airspace to Cypriot registered shipping and aircraft has resulted in not only eight negotiating chapters being frozen by the European Council but a further ten being blocked because of French and Cypriot opposition. The result is now a stalemate with only three chapters being left to open.
If you like to read the whole story click: NEW EUOROPE
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