Turkish Cypriot Leader Calls for EU Suspension over Referendum Fears

Strategic Insights -

Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has warned that the European Union should suspend Cyprus's accession if Greek Cypriots postpone the referendum on the United Nations peace plan. Talat argued that a postpone would allow Greek Cypriots to join the EU while Turkish Cypriots would be left behind, potentially forcing them to wait until Turkey is ready to join. The warning reflects growing frustration among Turkish Cypriots, who see their isolation from the world as the main reason for supporting the UN plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has called for the European Union to suspend Cyprus's accession if Greek Cypriots postpone the referendum on the UN peace plan.
  • Talat argued that a postponed referendum would allow Greek Cypriots to join the EU while Turkish Cypriots would be left behind, potentially forcing them to wait until Turkey is ready to join.
  • Turkish Cypriots staged a rally in north Nicosia to support a Yes vote for the reunification plan at the April 24 referendum, with about 60% of them likely to vote in favor of the plan.
  • Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos has stated that he will vote against the UN plan, while the largest Greek Cypriot party, Akel, wants to postpone the referendum.
  • EU diplomats admitted that it would be impossible to suspend the island's accession, acknowledging that they had lost their leverage over the Greek Cypriots last year when the accession treaties were signed.
  • The main reason why Turkish Cypriots supported the UN plan was to get out of their protracted isolation from the world, according to Talat.

Statistics:

  • About 10,000 Turkish Cypriots staged a rally in north Nicosia to support the UN plan.
  • Around 60% of Turkish Cypriots are likely to vote in favor of the plan, despite a negative campaign led by Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot president.
  • The Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots will hold a referendum on the UN plan on April 24.
  • The UN Security Council, the US, EU, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development will hold a preparatory donors' conference in Brussels to reassure Greek Cypriots they will not have to pay for compensation or restitution claims.

Sources:

  • Judy Dempsey, "Turkish Cypriot leader calls on EU to suspend Cyprus's accession," Judy Dempsey, STRATEGIC EUROPE ANALYSIS, April 18, 2003.
  • Kerin Hope, "10,000 Turkish Cypriots rally in support of reunification plan," The Times, April 19, 2003.