EU north Cyprus aid 'better late than never'

5.52.56pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 1st Mar 2006

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has, while welcoming the EU's much-delayed decision on financial aid for economic development in north Cyprus, deplored the loss of half the originally promised amount as well as the continuing failure to agree a second measure on opening up direct trade with the EU.

This week EU ministers agreed on financial aid of 139 million euros (about £90 million) for 2006. But an additional €120 million euros (£80 million) envisaged for 2005 has been lost due to the delay. In addition, while in July 2004 the European Commission proposed the 2 regulations as a package, the trade regulation has been vetoed so far, reputedly by the Republic of Cyprus.

Sarah Ludford said:

"Of course this EU aid is welcome on a 'better late than never' basis. The investment is vital to help Turkish Cypriots catch up economically through more jobs and income. But it is disgraceful that they have been denied nearly half the planned amount."

"I cannot agree with Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik (EU Presidency) that 'we have thereby honoured our commitment as EU to the Turkish Cypriot community'. The promise in 2004, after the positive vote on the Annan plan in the north, was to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, not just to make it more bearable."

"Undertakings must be honoured if the EU is to be credible, and the belief in a political settlement among Turkish Cypriots is to be sustained."

"I acknowledge that the British government supported the full EU package. But the refusal to clarify whether it is legal obstacle or only political hesitation which impedes UK licensing of direct flights to Ercan airport looks weak and indecisive."