Lib Dem peer Lord Watson of Richmond writes about ending the community divide in Cyprus, ahead of his Lords question on Tuesday.
It was a recent visit to Cyprus that has prompted me to put down a parliamentary question for July 14, on the unity of Cyprus.
I was in Cyprus to launch the 51st international branch of the English-Speaking Union and was struck by the surprising degree of dialogue and co-operation between the two communities and their shared desire for a solution despite all the difficulties. A solution is essential, in my view, if Turkey is to join the European Union.
During my visit, I crossed the so-called 'green line' from the Greek Nicosia to the Turkish occupied area and it is surely inconceivable that such a border be allowed between two EU states. Although the no-man’s land at the border lacks the former grimness of Potsdamer Platz in a divided Berlin, it is nevertheless bleak and sad.
The EU Enlargement Commissioner, Olli Rehn, has said on record that Cyprus is “likely to prove a catalyst for Turkey’s progress towards the European Union”. That is certainly my own view.
The EU is not directly involved in the negotiations currently inching forward on a settlement. These take place under the auspices of the United Nations. But the outcome will have to be in line with the founding principles of the EU, namely democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
The Turkish Cypriot leader involved in the negotiations – which, incidentally, take place in English – Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, was elected on a pro-solution ticket, and this is encouraging. However, it may well be that the principle obstacles to a solution lie in Ankara rather than on the island. The Turkish army is very evident on the Turkish side of the 'green line'.
A question for the UK is whether our consistent advocacy of Turkish membership of the EU gives us worthwhile leverage with Ankara and whether indeed we are using the leverage we have.
It is worth remembering that our original settlement with Cyprus leaves us the responsibilities of a Guarantor Power and, from a British as well as an EU perspective, we must do all we can to advance the prospects of unity in Cyprus.
