Leading figures criticise European Court of Human Rights decision to fine Turkey for 1974 invasion of Cyprus while negotiations to reunite the island are underway
Politicians, academics and experts expressed frustration at the timing of a European court ruling fining Turkey €90 million for its 1974 invasion of Cyprus.
Officials in Ankara said they would not be bound by the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights over a twenty-year-old application application by the Republic of Cyprus.
The ruling provides financial compensation over missing Greek Cypriots, the property of displaced people and violations of other human rights, but Turkey said it was not bound by it and would not be making any payment.
Sarah Ludford, the Liberal Democrat MEP for London, said the timing of the judgement was “unfortunate” as it came as Turkish and Greek Cypriots were negotiating a peace settlement, backed by Britain and the United States.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters in Ankara the ruling on the case would not be binding in terms of international law and also drew attention to its timing.
“Just when talks within the framework of comprehensive peace have gained serious momentum in Cyprus, when a new process has begun, led by Turkey … such a decision is not right,” he said.
Meanwhile regional expert Hugh Pope described the €90m fine was a “drop in the ocean”.
BLAME-GAME UNHELPFUL
Ms Ludford told Londra Gazete: “In any case, apart from specific individual property restitution cases – on which both sides need to be prompt and not drag their feet – it is unhelpful to have a blame-game with piecemeal claims and counterclaims.
“The best approach would be a comprehensive and definitive settlement in which justice is done fairly.
“A decade ago Turkish Cypriots backed the Annan plan; let’s fervently hope that Greek Cypriots will support the next UN-brokered resolution of this conflict.”
‘DROP IN THE OCEAN’
Hugh Pope, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, told Reuters that the latest talks had progressed slowly despite Turkish efforts, due in large part to a lack of trust between Greek Cypriots and Turks.
“This remains an extremely expensive unresolved problem,” Mr Pope was quoted as saying, point to costs for Turkey that include military spending and financial assistance to the enclave.
“The compensation is a drop in the ocean compared with the shiploads of costs that not solving the Cyprus solution has incurred for Turkey … since the 1960s.”
The United Kingdom is a guarantor country for Cyprus and is closely involved in the present round of negotiations.When asked to comment on this week’s court ruling an FCO spokesperson said: “This is a matter for the government of Turkey.”
