30 October 2005
Dr Rudi Vis MP
Finchley and Golders Green
38 Church Lane
East Finchley
London N2 8DT
Dear Rudi,
Our Association wishes to bring to your attention and seek your help over the latest problem that our enclaved compatriots in Rizokarpaso are facing from the Turkish pseudo-authorities in occupied northern Cyprus, who once again are failing to adhere to agreements made and undertakings given.
The illegal Turkish administration is:
- Delaying the “approval” of five secondary school teachers for the Gymnasion. These subject teachers are one full-time Greek Literature teacher, one full-time Economics teacher, one part-time ICT teacher for two days, one part-time Biology teacher for four hours and one part-time Turkish teacher for four hours. Two months after the beginning of the academic year, the Gymnasion is still not being allowed to function properly.
- Rapid building is now taking place on land belonging to Greek Cypriots to build a primary school for the illegal settlers who are occupying the homes and properties of members of our Association. This land is adjacent to the old Greek Cypriot Gymnasion, which the illegal Turkish administration intends to use as a secondary school for the illegal settlers.
- Enclaved Greek Cypriots in Rizokarpaso are now forbidden to use their cars unless they have registered them with the illegal Turkish administration. This “rule” is not being applied to the small number of Maronites who are enclaved in the occupied areas.
We would be grateful if you could use your influence as a Member of Parliament in the appropriate centres of power to bring pressure upon Turkey to adhere to agreements made and to stop its ethnic-cleansing policy.
The committee and members of our Association are aware of the many years that you have been campaigning for justice for Cyprus, and we are truly grateful to you as a very supportive Member of Parliament.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Mary Karaolis, BEd (Hons), MA, NPQH
President of the Association of Rizokarpasians in Britain