European Commission Responds to Tufan Erhürman’s Letter: Concerns “Duly Noted”

The Presidency said Erhürman’s letter concerning the blocking of music festivals and the Barcelona football camp, as well as what it described as increasing confidence-undermining actions by the Greek Cypriot leadership, had received a response from the European Union.

The Presidency recalled that Erhürman had sent letters on August 28 to relevant counterparts, including the United Nations and the European Union, regarding what he described as increasing confidence-undermining actions by the Greek Cypriot leadership, including the blocking of music festivals and the Barcelona football camp. The letters highlighted the negative environment created by these activities, the Presidency said.

In its response issued today, the European Commission said that the points raised by the Turkish Cypriot side regarding these actions, as well as its concerns about their impact on the United Nations process, had been “duly noted,” according to the Presidency.

The Presidency statement continued:

“As will be recalled, our letter had also drawn attention to the timing of these obstruction activities. The response letter also recalled the recent visit to the island by the United Nations Secretary-General and emphasised the importance of building trust between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots and promoting a positive atmosphere in order to create an appropriate environment.

“The Commission further stated that its objective is to build bridges, develop dialogue and promote closer relations both between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots and between Turkish Cypriots and the European Union.

“In this context, reference was made to the 2004 European Union Council decision concerning the ending of the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

“Within this framework, the Commission stated that civil society and private organisations that contribute to the socio-economic development of Turkish Cypriots, particularly young people, and help establish closer relations between Turkish Cypriots and the European Union are in line with the objectives set out in the aforementioned EU decision.”