It has been stated by various sources that Turkey’s intransigence on the Cyprus issue is an obstacle to Turkey gaining entry to the European Union.

Indeed, Turkey is unfit for membership of the EU due to its numerous violations of international law because of its current illegal occupation of 37 per cent of the Republic of Cyprus and its violation of the human rights of the Cypriots.

However, we in Lobby for Cyprus would like to put things in another perspective. The fact is, it would cost the EU far too much politically and economically to bring Turkey into the prestigious European club.

• Firstly, as Turkey is one of the most populous countries on the continent it would have a disproportionate influence on the affairs of the EU.
  
• Secondly, the principle of free movement and settlement of labour would doubtless see millions of people flooding into the EU for better economic and social opportunities.
  
• Thirdly, Turkey would become a massive recipient of economic aid because it would be the poorest member of the EU.

To add to the above: Turkey’s appalling human rights record; its history of aggression against major ethnic groups; its open disregard of United Nations and Security Council resolutions vis-à-vis Cyprus and its blatant contempt for the binding decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, make it undeserving of membership of the EU.

As Turkey is to be excluded from the European club, let us be open about the reasons. Failure to come to a settlement on Cyprus may be a major obstacle to Turkish accession but the real causes of Turkey’s exclusion run far deeper.