LORD KILCLOONEY
Sir, - As David Shanks (The Irish Times, April 20th) reports, the EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen believes the Turkish Cypriots are to blame for the lack of progress towards an internal settlement in the island of Cyprus before the European Union decides upon the accession of Cyprus.
The real problem is the EU and in particular Mr Verheugen himself, who has foolishly told the Greek Cypriots that they can join the EU irrespective of any settlement in Cyprus.
This gives the Greek Cypriots no incentive to settle with the Turkish Cypriots.
As we know in Northern Ireland, there has to be pain on all sides if there is to be a settlement. Verheugen has assured the Greek Cypriots that they need to have no pain and thereby makes a settlement much more difficult.
Finally I am pleased that there will now be flights from Dublin to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. I can assure you that it is one of the most friendly and beautiful locations in the Mediterranean. And the best news is that it is still unspoiled by mass tourism projects. - Yours, etc.,
LORD KILCLOONEY
of Armagh,
House of Lords,
London SW1.