Lib Dem peer Lord Watson of Richmond writes about ending the community divide in Cyprus, ahead of his Lords question on Tuesday.
It was a recent visit to Cyprus that has prompted me to put down a parliamentary question for July 14, on the unity of Cyprus.
I was in Cyprus to launch the 51st international branch of the English-Speaking Union and was struck by the surprising degree of dialogue and co-operation between the two communities and their shared desire for a solution despite all the difficulties. A solution is essential, in my view, if Turkey is to join the European Union.
During my visit, I crossed the so-called 'green line' from the Greek Nicosia to the Turkish occupied area and it is surely inconceivable that such a border be allowed between two EU states. Although the no-man’s land at the border lacks the former grimness of Potsdamer Platz in a divided Berlin, it is nevertheless bleak and sad.
The EU Enlargement Commissioner, Olli Rehn, has said on record that Cyprus is “likely to prove a catalyst for Turkey’s progress towards the European Union”. That is certainly my own view.
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