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North Cyprus
North Cyprus is
the third largest island in Mediterranean after Sicily and
Sardina. It is western in terms of its economics and social
structure yet maintains its unique cultural characteristics.
Whether for investment, holiday hideaways, or retirements,
North Cyprus is an extremely attractive place for purchasing
property and living happily.
Flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus The flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is based on the flag of Turkey with the colors reversed and two horizontal red stripes added at the top and bottom and the crescent and the star in red. It was the result of a competition to find a new representative flag for the TRNC. It is officially regarded as the state flag of the TRNC; the national flag of the TRNC is the national flag of Turkey.This flag was adopted by Law n°15/1984, enacted by the Assembly on 7 March 1984 and published in the Official Gazette on 9 March 1984
Construction sheet for the flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus The diagram exactly matches the precise instructions contained in the First Schedule ("The Flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus") and accompanying diagram attached to the law. These read as follows with all sizes given as proportions of the width: A. Distance of the centre of the external
circle of the crescent from the hoist (the translation I have actually says
"from the string seam") = 1/2 The diagram confirms the above visually, and of course, shows all the centre points mentioned on the horizontal meridian. Article 3(1) of the law states that: The Flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus shall be flown from buildings occupied by the Security Forces, by Government Departments, from (the) premises of public institutions and establishments, from the premises of the people's representatives abroad and from vessels owned by persons and corporate bodies and it shall be displayed on motor-cars, in and outside the Republic, of persons authorized by regulations to display the flag on their motor-cars None the less, Article 5(1) stipulates that: The Turkish Flag shall continue to be the national flag of the Turkish People of Cyprus. This flag appears in the Flags of Aspirant Peoples chart [eba94], #34, with the following caption: NORTH CYPRUS Flag of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Flag of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus The President's flag is the same as the flag of the Republic but has a golden star fimbriated (big) red fimbriated gold on white in the canton. This was adopted by the law n° 36 of 1989. The golden star in the canton (same size as the star near the crescent) is at a distance from the top and the left of the flag equal to 1/14.5 of the width of the flag. There is no mention of the size of the red and golden inner stars. I have drawn them according to an official picture I have. The golden border around the flag has a width equal to 1/80 of the width of the flag.
Car flag of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus According to Michel Lupant, the upper red stripe is re-activated to the hoist of the star, making a short 2.5 x 6.5 cm red rectangle (in line with the big red stripe 6.5 cm wide). Flag reportedly used in 1983-1984
Reported flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, 1983-1984 In 1983, two white stripes were added to the Turkish flag used until then. The colours were reverted the next year.
Northern Cyprus Accommodation When thinking of holidaying in Northern Cyprus there are many different accommodations to choose from. In the end it depends on what you are looking for and how you would like to spend your holidays.For those who want to be pampered while being wowed by what the Cyprus Island has to offer, rest assured that Northern Cyprus has a substantial assortment of five star hotels from which to choose. These hotels offer the kind of amenities that you would expect to find from any five star hotel around the world. Most if not all are located right on the beach and offer you the opportunity to experience a Mediterranean sunrise from the comfort of your bed. Just imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the waves washing up on the beautiful white sand beaches and watching the sun come up.Once up and around you will be glad to know that most of these hotels have taxi stands near or right in front of them. But perhaps you would be more comfortable driving your own car. After all if your idea is to get away from it all then what better way to do so then by driving yourself around and setting your own pace. But if not rest assured that most of these hotels offer tours and if you are part of such a group you will get whisked around the island to see its many sites. Then you have the smaller hotels or inns that are tucked further inland. Just because such places are tucked away does not mean that they have less to offer. If you are really looking to get away from it all and in search of some piece and tranquility then this might be the accommodation for you. These places are normally smaller and more laid back then their larger brethren. Most if not all of them have pools. There are some that are on the main roads however for the most part they are in more secluded areas that can not be reached via public transportation. Walking is always an option yet if you want to maximize your time renting a car might be a better solution for the duration or a period of your stay in Northern Cyprus. Finally there are the holiday villas or homes of various types and sizes that are for rent during the peak seasons (they are also available during off peak seasons at reduced prices). You might want to use services of one of the North Cyprus Real Estates to rent a holiday villa, apartment or a house to stay in during the summer period of the year. If you ever want to own a home in the Mediterranean, sample the Mediterranean life, or just do not want to stay at a hotel this may be the option for you. In most cases it would be cheaper than staying in a hotel, especially during the peak season which is the summer. Thus you would be able to stay longer and see more of the sites thus better enjoying what the island has to offer. Public transportation could be usefull, however, the further off the main road your villa is located the harder it will be to reach from where the minibus leaves you. A taxi is another option but depending on how long you plan to stay it could get quite costly. Renting a car would allow you the easy of going around the island and also shopping from the local markets to keep your villa well stocked for the duration your stay. After all you will be able to stay longer, but do you want spend that time lugging groceries around North Cyprus, or taking you car to the beach and some remote ancient sites touched by countless civilizations.
Northern Cyprus Real Estates There are many real estate agents throughout Northern Cyprus that offer many services that can make your life on the island much easier. These real estate agents often offer everything from help with the buy and sale of villa, house, apartment or land to property management. In terms of buying property in Northern Cyprus these real estates can aid in making your buying experience a more pleasant one. Real estates should be useful since they have a better understanding of the Cyprus Island and its laws. Most also have connections with shipping and furnishing companies. Thus they will be able to help you in bringing your personal effects in to country while at the same time putting you in contact with people that will help in furnishing your new home in North Cyprus. Most of these estate agencies also have ties to construction companies which facilitates the building process and the ease by which one may subscribe to an off plan property. Off plan properties are normally conducted in two phases. Phase one normally consists of the real estate agent helping you in the search and buying stages of your property. Once you buy your property the real estates put you in contact with one or more construction companies which will build your dream home whether it is villa, apartment or house. For those of you who have bought property which you intent to use only during your summer stay. Or perhaps as an investment for rent or keep, most of these real estate agents offer property management services. These are services that ensure that your property is taken car of while you are away. These services include but are not limited to everything from the paying of utilities, to airing out the house. If you plan on renting the house they will act as an intermediary that collects the rent and takes care of problems that may come up. Northern Cyprus Property Property is the new buzz word for Northern Cyprus. While in the past this was one of the Mediterranean best kept secrets, the secret has got out and people from far and wide are turning their eyes to North Cyprus. The property market as of late has seen an upsurge in demand of people looking with interest towards the North Cyprus property market.Some have reached the point in their lives when they are ready to retire but do not want to do so in their country for whatever reason. Others simply want to invest for their future and see many bright possibilities in the Northern Cyprus property market. But it is not just retirees and investors that are delving in to by North Cyprus property. There are also some who have grown worried about what has been happening in their countries and wish a brighter and safer future for their children. Most of these people are vacationers who have come to the island and have liked what they saw. Upon returning home they decided that they might be better off with a change in their lives, and that Northern Cyprus may be just the place for them to start over. After all crime is low and things seem slower and more relaxed when compared to their countries. It reminds them of time gone by and the sort of place that almost does not exist in the world anymore. Not the mention the fact that there are schools here as well as universities providing education in English language, which make it an attractive location in which to raise you children. But what types of properties will you find in Northern Cyprus? Well the Cyprus Island offers everything and anything to please the different tastes of the people who desire to settle down in North Cyprus. Apartments offer communal living in flats that have come a long way from there rudimentary predecessors that had little or no amenities. These day flats normally come with two or more bathrooms. A major improvement has been the elimination of the ground floor. In the past this was a point of contention with neighbours since people on the first floor tend to think of the apartment communal areas as their own and set up there garages and gardens there. This is no longer the case as the ground floors in the newer apartments have been eliminated in most cases. In so doing another problem was solved which was the parking space for the tenants. The ground floor in new apartments is most often then not now used as parking space for the tenant’s vehicles. Villas also have come a long way from the first models previously offered. These are the buildings that have been most involved in the Northern Cyprus off plan construction boom. Even when a standard template is used as long as you get in on the buy before the building process you may request changes to the interior design and spacing of the villa. For the most part villas are constructed further away from the city centre although there are a couple sprawled settlements of villas here and there within the city limits. However, for the most part when investing more to build or buy a villa in Northern Cyprus people prefer to get away from the city lights. Land is always popular property in Northern Cyprus whether it be as an investment or the start of an off plan construction. Some people are not ready to construct or move here yet, but they still want to leave that option open so they buy land. However, when buying land or any other type property in Northern Cyprus, there are certain rules and regulations that you should be aware of. For a better understanding of these rules or help in understanding them it might help you if you contacted a real estate agency. Said agencies often have a better understating of the property climate in North Cyprus and are better informed to help you. Many have various connections with construction companies and other companies that will make your building and subsequent moving process easier on you. North Cyprus Holiday North Cyprus is rapidly becoming the go to destination for those looking to get away from it all. Cyprus has pretty much coined the phrase, “fun in the sun”, and since the sun shines on this lovely island almost year round you can be assured that there is much fun to be had on this jewel of the Mediterranean. But why would you want to spend your holidays in Northern Cyprus? Well for starters, are you tired of the same grind day in and day out? Has it reached the point at which you just seem to be burned out by your daily life? If so you may be one of the millions of people who are stuck in a nine to five, 5 day a week job. Hey there is nothing wrong with such a job, after all it does put food on the table and pays the bills. But what do you do with your precious free time. There are many countries that are competing for your hard earned cash, so let us take a minute to tell you why North Cyprus should be it for you. If you are a history buff or simply want gaze in wonder of ancient civilizations then what better place then North Cyprus since you can hardly take a step without tripping over a piece of history. For those who love the sun, rejoice for this country gets more than its fair share of sunshine which makes it the envy of its far North neighbors. The beaches are spectacular and they surly will captivate you whether you just would like to lounge by the shores or jump in to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
The Cities of Northern Cyprus Nicosia : Nicosia is the capital of Northern Cyprus and is located to the west of Ercan which is the main airport of North Cyprus. What you may not realize is that the whole city or at least the original city is one big castle. This is courtesy of the Venetians who walled many of the Cypriot cities when they had possession of the Island. There are many places to visit while in Nicosia many of which have been restored or in the process of being restored as part of U.N.D.P., U.S.A.I.D., and E.U. efforts. This city also contains much of the industries and ministries of Northern Cyprus. As a result most if not all bureaucratic processes must be conducted in this city. This is also the location of the central hospital. Kyrenia : Kyrenia can truly be described as the jewel of Northern Cyprus. Sure there are other places that have stunning beaches and views but the combination that is found in this city leaves many a visitor speechless. The harbour provides an almost surreal atmosphere that leaves people wishing they never have to go home. Picture if you will a lovely cove shaped harbour that has water side restaurants with a board walk so you may take a stroll before or after you meal. The candlelit tables shimmer and flicker in the soothing cool night air and the backdrop to all this is an illuminated castle that once guarded the entrance to this port. Special effects, no this place does need special effects for it itself is special. During the British rule of the island many used this city as port of call on their way to far off lands. So impressed where they by the scenery that they could not stop writing about the wonderful time that they and their families enjoyed here. Famagusta : Famagusta is the main sea port of Northern Cyprus and many if not all of the goods you intend on shipping into the country will come in through this port. This city as any other city in North Cyprus is rich in history. There are many castles and mosques that are located in this city which can be found by navigating its intricate network of roads.
Guzelyurt : Guzelyurt is the heart of Northern Cyprus’s citrus industry. It is from here that most of the islands lemons and oranges are produced. Spring time in this small town is marked by the orange blossoms floating through the air while spreading their wonderful fragrance. As of late this place has also become the producer of such tropical fruits as avocados, mangos, bananas, and many others. Once again this city also has its fair share of historical sites to see, and an assortment of camping sites. Transportation in North Cyprus Bus Tours There are some companies that provide bus tours around North Cyprus. However, these tours may be included in package deals along with your hotel and airfare. Sometimes the hotel themselves may offer bus tours. If your hotel does not offer any tours please contact the reception and they will put you in touch with a Northern Cyprus Holiday tour operator that can provide said service. Public Transportation The most inexpensive way to travel between towns is by an elaborate network of mini busses. Next in terms of expense is what are known as dolmush (which is basically a shared taxi) also known as a Kombos in North Cyprus. The Kombos generally operate on the same routes as the mini busses but use Mercedes cars (resemble a limo) instead. Finally there are the taxies which have standard charges for a journey and have recently started using meters as per the new Northern Cyprus law. Car Driving in Northern Cyprus Most North Cyprus cities, towns and highways are paved and in reasonably good condition. However, some village and mountain roads still remain unpaved. These dirty roads can be tricky to drive on and are especially difficult during the rainy season when they turn to mud.
Visitors are allowed to bring their own car into Northern Cyprus if they so desire. But this can only be done for a period of three months provided that the vehicle has a valid registration licence from its country of origin. If you do decided to bring your own car you will need to purchase insurance as soon as the car enters Northern Cyprus. Petrol stations in the North Cyprus usually open from 7 in the morning to 8 at night, with some closing later than others. However, the number of stations that operate 24 hours a day is increasing. Parking in municipal parking lots is no longer free. There is a small fee to be paid and it is a one time fixed fee not based on an hourly basis. There always exists the possibility that said service may be free if you use it during a non peak period such as late at night. People visiting Northern Cyprus can also use their drivers licence from their country of origin or an international licence as long as it has not expired. Please note that such licences can be used for a period of three months if they stay beyond that period they have to apply for a T.R.N.C. licence. Northern Cyprus Traffic Information Traffic in Northern Cyprus circulates on the left hand side and its roads signs are of international specifications. Please note that you will be able to use your valid drivers licence from any country here for a period of up to three months. The items listed below are some of the more note worthy rules when it comes to driving regulations in the T.R.N.C.
Emergencies : First Aid / Ambulance For all districts Tel : 112 Forest Fires For all districts Tel : 177 Police
Police Nicosia
Tel : 228 3311 Note : If calling from a mobile phone you have to add 0 392 to the numbers above. Crime in Northern Cyprus is virtually nonexistent and the police are always quick to respond to a crime or incident when and if needed. Northern Cyprus Medical Services and Hospitals Customs and Regulations The central state run hospital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in Nicosia the capital. There are other smaller hospitals in the other North Cyprus areas of, Kyrenia, Güzelyurt and Lefke. Beyond that there are also some clinics in smaller towns and villages. Northern Cyprus Weather and Clothing Cyprus enjoys what has come to be known as typical Mediterranean weather. This is normally characterized by long dry summers which last from the middle of May to the middle of October and mild winters that last from December to February. Northern Cyprus only has a short autumn and spring. Summer in Cyprus is known to be a season of extreme highs and cloudless blue skies. This is also the high season in terms of tourism and beaches, and while it does get pretty hot the costal areas are given a reprise with the pleasant sea breeze. During this season light clothing is recommended and in reality all that you will need. Also it is recommended that you wear a hat and sunglasses. Winters in Cyprus are mild and while snow is a rare event rain is not. In this season you should be prepared for all sorts of weather. Although it does not reach the extremes in terms of freezing it is still recommended that you pack for winter weather in Cyprus. Spring and Autumn in Cyprus is a mild time of year and you can mostly get away with using light clothing although temperatures drop at night and you might need a light jacket or pullover. Population of Northern Cyprus The last census conducted in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was in the year 2006 and showed a population of 264.172 It was recorder that 50% of these people live in cities while the other half live in the Northern Cyprus country side. Northern Cyprus System of Measurement North Cyprus converted to the metric system some years ago, hoverer, it is still possible yet highly unlikely to hear people talking in terms of inches, miles and other units of measurement. In Northern Cyprus the traditional and still widely used system of measurement known as the “okke” may be still used to buy meat and vegetables. One okke is equal to 1.23 kg. Electric Current Voltage in North Cyprus Power in Northern Cyprus operates at 240 volts and at 50 hertz. The wall sockets are normally of the U.K. style, three flat pin type. Although please note that there is no set standard when it comes to appliances bought in the North Cyprus therefore in many cases you may need an adapter. Foreign Missions in Northern Cyprus
Australian Representative Northern Cyprus Beaches There are many beaches to visit when in Northern Cyprus. After all the term fun in the sun can mean many things but the image that it often conjures up is that of a person lying down on the beach under the sun. There are many such beaches in North Cyprus. Depending at which hotel you stay at you may be able to walk from your room to these beautiful beaches in about five minutes or less. These beaches are the beaches of your dreams. They have white sands and crystal clear waters that provide both a spectacular view to those above and under the waves. The most popular beaches are those located in the Kyrenia and Famagusta areas. But if you are adventurous and want to experience untouched virgin beaches then head for the islands eastern tip. The Karpaz peninsula offers some of the most spectacular beaches in Northern Cyprus. Some even make you feel that you are the first one in centuries to stumble on to their sandy shores. The Outcome of the Annan Plan Referenda and the Implications for CyprusThe process for the Annan Plan represented the best chance of achieving a breakthrough in the stalemate on the island. Moreover, the Plan had the backing of all the parties involved in Cyprus, the EU, the United States of America (USA) and the wider international community. The final Plan that was put to referenda was supported by both Turkish and Greek Cypriots and acknowledged by all parties, internally and externally, to be fair solution. It gave neither side all they wanted, but it was workable if the will was there to create a new partnership State. UN Secretary General (UNSG) Kofi Annan himself said, “There is no other plan out there – this is it”. Yet the Greek Cypriot side chose to reject this opportunity to reunify Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot leader Papadopulous said, “Saying ‘yes’ in the referendum would do away with our internationally recognised State exactly at the very moment it strengthens its political weight with its ascension to the European Union” The Greek Cypriot attitude and vote prompted a range of negative feedback, including from the UN Security Council, which said it, “shares the UN Secretary General’s disappointment that efforts since 1999 to reunify the island have not succeeded and regrets that an extraordinary historic opportunity to resolve the Cyprus issue has been missed” The Turkish Cypriot people voted ‘yes’, hoping for an end to the Cyprus Problem and their forty year isolation through joint entry into the EU. The world applauded this positive response from Turkish Cypriots, despite the significant sacrifices the Plan required of them. For example, for the Turkish Cypriots of Guzelyurt, in North West Cyprus, voting in favour of the Plan meant them leaving their homes of the past thirty years and becoming refugees all over again. It was this courage and goodwill that prompted the UNSG and many other world leaders and international bodies to promise changes in Cyprus that would end the isolation of Turkish Cypriots. The USNG report of 28 May 2004 to the UN Security Council expressed in no uncertain terms the paradigm shift expected from the countries dealing with the Turkish Cypriots : “The decision of the Turkish Cypriots is to be welcomed. The Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey have made clear their respect for the wish of the Turkish Cypriots to reunify in a bicommunal, bizonal federation. The Turkish Cypriot vote has undone any rationale for pressuring and isolating them. I would hope that the members of the Council can give a strong lead to all States to cooperate 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 — not for the purposes of affording recognition or assisting secession, but as a positive contribution to the goal of reunification.” The views of the UN were also reflected in the comments from various European Union representatives : EU Enlargement Commissioner Verheugen’s 25 April 2004 : “A unique opportunity to bring about a solution to the long-lasting Cyprus issue has been missed…What we will seriously consider now is finding a way to end the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.” The European Union Parliamentary Assembly Resolution, no. 1376 (2004), stated : “The Assembly pays tribute to the Turkish Cypriots, who supported the Annan Plan by an overwhelming majority, thus opting for a future in Europe. The international community, and in particular the Council of Europe and the European Union, cannot ignore or betray the expressed desire of a majority of Turkish Cypriots for greater openness and should take rapid and appropriate steps to encourage it. The Turkish Cypriots' international isolation must cease. The Assembly therefore welcomes the support expressed by several European political leaders for financial assistance for the Turkish Cypriots and an easing of the international sanctions against them. The United Nations should also consider whether the resolutions on which the sanctions are based are still justified. The Assembly considers it unfair for the Turkish Cypriot community, which has expressed clear support for a reunited and European Cyprus, to continue to be denied representation in the European political debate. Such continued isolation may help strengthen the positions of those who are opposing a unified Cyprus.” Nearly three years have passed since the referenda. Despite their yes vote and the many promises from around the world to end their isolation, very little has changed for the Turkish Cypriots. The “embargoes” still exist. The same status quo on the island, where one people’s rights are recognised, the other’s is not, still exists. Should this status quo continue into the foreseeable future, the Turkish Cypriots’ goodwill towards the Greek Cypriots, the EU and the international community will be destroyed. At the same time, for the Greek Cypriot administration and people to continue to exercise the same dominance over the affairs of the whole of Cyprus will continue to ensure they have no incentive to compromise and establish the international vision of a federal solution. Surely the fairest outcome following the Greek Cypriots’ vote against the Annan Plan, which prevented a unified Cyprus acceding to the EU, is that they can no longer be allowed to exercise control over matters that relate to North Cyprus, and Turkish Cypriots and the EU? The Turkish Cypriots must be empowered and dealt with on an equal footing with Greek Cypriots. The Ongoing Suffering of the Turkish Cypriot PeopleThe information below relating to the North-South divide in Cyprus underlines the need to change the status quo. It shows the adverse effect of the embargoes on the every day lives of Turkish Cypriots, while their Greek Cypriot neighbours continue to benefit from being the sole recognised entity on the island. There is no justification for this. GNP per capital § The average Turkish Cypriot earns $5,000 per year. § The average Greek Cypriot earns $15,000 per year. Purchasing power § North Cyprus: $787 million. § South Cyprus: $9.4 billion. Exports § North Cyprus: $46 million. § South Cyprus: $1.03 billion. Impact of 5 July 1994 European Court of Justice (Case C-432/92) judgement on North Cyprus trade with the European Union (EU) § EU member states not permitted to import fruit and vegetables from North Cyprus without a certificate issued by the Greek Cypriot authorities § In 1993, North Cyprus exports to the EU totalled almost $37 million. 10 years later, as a direct consequence of this ruling, exports dropped to £12.5 million § In contrast, “EU countries constitute the most important markets” for Greek Cypriots, with 54% of exports EU bound in 2003 generating £117 million Time and cost to fly to Cyprus from the UK § North Cyprus: flight from London to Ercan, Nicosia via Turkey – 6 hours, average cost £270 per adult § South Cyprus: direct flight from London to Larnaca – 4.5 hours, cheap flights as low as £116 per adult Time taken for a UK posted letter to arrive § North Cyprus (via Mersin 10, Turkey): 1-2 weeks § South Cyprus: 3-4 days Participation in international sporting and cultural events § North Cyprus: representation not permitted in any international events, such as the Olympics, the Eurovision Song Contest, or the World Cup – even friendly football matches with other international club and national teams are banned § South Cyprus: can represent ‘the whole island’ in any international social, sporting or cultural activity As can be seen from above, Turkish Cypriots continue to live as second class citizens in their own homeland. They have endured this for forty years – ever since Greek Cypriots seized physical and political control of the island in December 1963. Today, Turkish Cypriots may not be in physical danger and their economy propped up by Turkey. Yet Turkish Cypriots continue to be denied their basic human rights through a range of Greek Cypriot imposed embargoes that obstruct every aspect of their lives : · Denying their right of representation in international political fora; · Preventing direct travel abroad – all flights to international destinations require a stopover in Turkey, which increases the time and cost of the flight. · Reducing North Cyprus postal services to a PO Box in Turkey (Mersin 10). All other communication with the rest of the world also only possible via Turkey; · Restricting trade and tourism opportunities between North Cyprus and the outside world; · Barring Turkish Cypriot enjoyment of cultural and sporting relations with people from other countries, including Turkey. Why do Greek Cypriots seek to impose these embargoes? Their purpose was, and still is to bully Turkish Cypriots into accepting a settlement only on Greek Cypriot terms. The intensive lobbying of Governments, institutions and individuals has ensured many steer clear of North Cyprus, which Greek Cypriot propaganda positions as a pariah state[iii]. Any efforts by external groups to create direct links between North Cyprus and the outside world is met by a wave of Greek Cypriot deterrents ranging from financial penalties to threats. Details of these efforts have been documented by many sources, including the internationally recognised Turkish Cypriot Chambers of Commerce[iv]. Greek Cypriots get away with such tactics through the continued indifference of the international community to the plight of Turkish Cypriots. Their sole presence in the global political arena means the domination and manipulation of decisions that reinforce their position, such as the UN Security Council Resolution 541 (1983), which calls upon the world not to recognise any Cypriot State other than “the Republic of Cyprus”. However, there is no UN resolution which gives the Greek Cypriots alone the right to call themselves the ‘Government of Cyprus’ and even resolution 541 is advisory, not mandatory. Yet the international community chooses to treat the Greek Cypriots as such, and ignore the legal, political and human rights of the Turkish Cypriots. Even the recent European Union actions to help promote the economic development of North Cyprus, such as Council Regulation (EC no 866/2004), also known as the Green Line Regulation, shows undue sympathy to the Greek Cypriot cause at the expense of Turkish Cypriots. The EU continues to follow Greek Cypriot demands that Turkish Cypriot exports can only enter the EU via South Cyprus. This creates added bureaucracy, complexity and cost for Turkish Cypriot businesses :
It is time for this unnecessary suffering and unjust isolation of the Turkish Cypriots to end. Turkish Cypriots have done nothing to deserve such treatment and as the recent referenda results show, continue to place their trust and good will in the hands of the international community. Recommendations : Creating a Positive Dynamic on the IslandThe Turkish Cypriot side have long argued that recognition of the rights of one side (the Greek Cypriots), whilst ignoring those of the other (Turkish Cypriots) is not only inherently unjust, but also fails to create an incentive for the recognised side to reach an agreement. Is it any wonder that the Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan Plan in April 2004, when they had already been guaranteed a place in the European Union irrespective of their voting decision? It is time to change these negative dynamics on the island. Rewarding the Turkish Cypriots for their brave vote in favour of the Annan Plan, even though it would have resulted in considerable sacrifices on their part, would send a strong message to Greek Cypriots about their need to compromise. It would also create a more equal playing field upon which a long-term peaceful settlement is more likely. Given its historical links and legal obligations to Cyprus, the UK has a key role to play in bringing about a positive change on the island. Embargoed!, having consulted some of the major non governmental organisations in North Cyprus[1], believe the UK should spearhead the following actions:
1. Acknowledge that the Greek Cypriot Government, acting under the banner of the Republic of Cyprus, has neither the right nor the authority to represent the Turkish Cypriot people. 2. Deal directly with the elected representatives and authorities of the Turkish Cypriot people. 3. Push the EU for immediate amendments to the Green Line Regulation that provide a fairer, simpler and more efficient set of processes for Turkish Cypriot businesses. 4. Drive EU support for a “Direct Regulation” that permits the free movement of people, goods and services between North Cyprus and the EU without the need for an intermediary. 5. Admit Turkish Cypriot exports that are transported directly from North Cyprus air and sea ports into EU member States. 6. Accept the Certificates of Origin of goods to EU standards issued by the authorised Turkish Cypriot bodies in North Cyprus, such as Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry and Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce. 7. Accredit the North Cyprus Veterinary Laboratory with the authority to issue health and plant certificates so agricultural products can be exported to the EU. 8. Enable direct flights, postal and telecommunications links to and from North Cyprus 9. Remove the visa requirement on Turkish Cypriots. 10. Support the participation of Turkish Cypriot organisations and representatives at international political, social, cultural, sportive events and organisations and specifically, o Encourage the English Football Association to support the Turkish Cypriots’ efforts to secure special permission from FIFA to play friendly football matches with teams from other national associations. ConclusionNow is the time to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and as a first step we call upon the international community to remove, immediately and unconditionally, all effective embargoes levied against North Cyprus. There is no time to lose if the goodwill that has developed between the Turkish Cypriot people and the outside world is to be maintained. Turkish Cypriots have been held hostage to the need for a final settlement of the Cyprus Problem for long enough. They have voted in favour of the Annan Plan whilst the Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected it. There are no moral, legal or political reasons left to justify the continued isolation of North Cyprus and we therefore urge the UK Government to adopt policies that will swiftly enable the Turkish Cypriots to enjoy their inherent rights within the family of nations. Recommendations : Creating a Positive Dynamic on the IslandThe Turkish Cypriot side have long argued that recognition of the rights of one side (the Greek Cypriots), whilst ignoring those of the other (Turkish Cypriots) is not only inherently unjust, but also fails to create an incentive for the recognised side to reach an agreement. Is it any wonder that the Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan Plan in April 2004, when they had already been guaranteed a place in the European Union irrespective of their voting decision? It is time to change these negative dynamics on the island. Rewarding the Turkish Cypriots for their brave vote in favour of the Annan Plan, even though it would have resulted in considerable sacrifices on their part, would send a strong message to Greek Cypriots about their need to compromise. It would also create a more equal playing field upon which a long-term peaceful settlement is more likely. Given its historical links and legal obligations to Cyprus, the UK has a key role to play in bringing about a positive change on the island. Embargoed!, having consulted some of the major non governmental organisations in North Cyprus[iv], believe the UK should spearhead the following actions: 1. Acknowledge that the Greek Cypriot Government, acting under the banner of the Republic of Cyprus, has neither the right nor the authority to represent the Turkish Cypriot people. 2. Deal directly with the elected representatives and authorities of the Turkish Cypriot people. 3. Push the EU for immediate amendments to the Green Line Regulation that provide a fairer, simpler and more efficient set of processes for Turkish Cypriot businesses. 4. Drive EU support for a “Direct Regulation” that permits the free movement of people, goods and services between North Cyprus and the EU without the need for an intermediary. 5. Admit Turkish Cypriot exports that are transported directly from North Cyprus air and sea ports into EU member States. 6. Accept the Certificates of Origin of goods to EU standards issued by the authorised Turkish Cypriot bodies in North Cyprus, such as Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry and Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce. 7. Accredit the North Cyprus Veterinary Laboratory with the authority to issue health and plant certificates so agricultural products can be exported to the EU. 8. Enable direct flights, postal and telecommunications links to and from North Cyprus 9. Remove the visa requirement on Turkish Cypriots. 10. Support the participation of Turkish Cypriot organisations and representatives at international political, social, cultural, sportive events and organisations and specifically, o Encourage the English Football Association to support the Turkish Cypriots’ efforts to secure special permission from FIFA to play friendly football matches with teams from other national associations. ConclusionNow is the time to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and as a first step we call upon the international community to remove, immediately and unconditionally, all effective embargoes levied against North Cyprus. There is no time to lose if the goodwill that has developed between the Turkish Cypriot people and the outside world is to be maintained. Turkish Cypriots have been held hostage to the need for a final settlement of the Cyprus Problem for long enough. They have voted in favour of the Annan Plan whilst the Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly rejected it. There are no moral, legal or political reasons left to justify the continued isolation of North Cyprus and we therefore urge the UK Government to adopt policies that will swiftly enable the Turkish Cypriots to enjoy their inherent rights within the family of nations.
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