British Lords observe situation in Northern Cyprus

A group from the House of Lords visits to see for themselves

Lords Maginnis, Harrison and Ahmet recently came to Northern Cyprus as members of the Friends of Northern Cyprus in order to observe the situation concerning tourism investments in various regions of Northern Cyprus and to meet with President Mehmet Ali Talat.

As they were discussing the Cyprus Problem, the Lords stressed the necessity of the Turkish Cypriots making greater efforts to explain the reality of Cyprus to the outside world in a more coordinated way.

Ready to help Lord Maginnis drew attention to the fact that the Turkish Cypriots had a real problem of communicating with the world while the Greek side has very effective and efficient lobbying activities going on almost constantly.

Stating that they were ready to help the Turkish Cypriots by means of explaining their current situation and the problems related to the Cyprus issue to the European Union and to British authorities, Lord Maginnis also stressed the importance of the Northern Cypriot representative in London having to determine a future strategy and to start undertaking studies in accordance with this strategy.

He also emphasised the importance of the Turkish Cypriot side taking a more effective role in external, world politics.

Saying that the Turkish Cypriot side has to inform the world about their side of the Cyprus Problem in response to the information that is presented to the world by the Greek Cypriot side, Lord Maginnis said that the Turkish Cypriot successes in the Orams’ Case and concerning the advertisement issue in Britain lead him to believe that the Turkish Cypriot side will also be able to gain the upper hand in discussions about the Direct Trade Regulations.

After saying that they are aware of the positive, constructive attitude of the Turkish Cypriot side concerning a solution of the Cyprus Problem, Lord Maginnis said that they would send a letter to European Union authorities containing the above mentioned ideas about the Cyprus issue.

Isolations should be lifted Lord Harrison said that they are willing to do anything they can in order to support the Turkish Cypriots in their rightful action. Saying that they are ready to help the Turkish Cypriots in improving their relations with EU and other countries, he mentioned that the Turkish Cypriot side has to take advantage of every situation.

Lord Ahmet stated that Turkish Cypriot society is important for Britain and that the isolations on the Turkish Cypriots should immediately be lifted. Pointing out the importance of starting the direct flights he said: “We want the problem about the direct flights to be solved in a short period of time. When this problem is solved then there will be many more tourists coming to Northern Cyprus.”