Annan plan
2.7.2010
Question for written answer E-5413/2010
to the Commission
Rule 117
Oreste Rossi (EFD)
In 2004, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, drew up a plan designed to end the tension between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, which for decades has afflicted the island of Cyprus. The plan was rejected in a popular referendum, having been deemed unacceptable by the country's Greek Cypriot majority. In fact, although Greeks make up 77 % of Cyprus' population and Turks only 18 %, the Annan Plan gives both ethnic groups equal representation in the Senate and Supreme Court, with 50 % of the seats each, turning the majority into a minority in the most important decision-making centres.
The plan also places restrictions on the right to free settlement by Greek Cypriots wishing to return to their homes in the Turkish-occupied north of the country. Greek Cypriot refugees returning to regions under Turkish administration would not enjoy civil rights, as political representatives of the Turkish Cypriot State can be elected only by Turkish Cypriots.
Furthermore, bearing in mind that the Annan Plan:
- —absolves Turkey of all responsibility for the invasion of Cyprus, the murder, rape and pillaging, the destruction of property and churches and the ethnic cleansing of almost 200 000 Greek Cypriots;
- —disregards the provisions of the 1949 Geneva Convention prohibiting colonisation by an occupying power;
- —through the adoption of a new constitutional model providing for a confederation of two States, a Greek Cypriot one and a Turkish Cypriot one, enables the Turkish Cypriots automatically to become part of the EU, irrespective of other criteria;
- —allows Turkey to maintain its troops in Cyprus indefinitely, thereby making full independence impossible;
- —as a result of its functional shortcomings, jeopardises Cyprus' ability to participate with a single voice in the normal activities of the European Union;
Will the Commission say what position it intends to adopt with regard to the plan in question?
OJ C 191 E, 01/07/2011