House of Lords warns: This is an insult to Turkey

Reserving sharp criticism for Brussels regarding some of the latest decisions regarding Turkey's EU accession process, the letter issued this warning: "The decision to suggest that part of Turkey's accession talks be shelved is an insult to the Turkish people. Turkey, which is a secular country and an important member of NATO, is being pushed by this decision away from Europe and towards Islamic fundamentalism. The EU is wrong. It is not acceptable that the Cyprus matter be the explanation for this decision."

The letter to the Daily Telegraph was signed by House of Lord members Lord Ahmet, Lord Harrison, Lord Kilclooney, Lady Knight of Collingtree, Lord Maginnis of Drumglass, Lord Manson, Lord Rogan, and Lady Butterworth. The letter also recalled the promises made to the Northern Cypriots that isolationary measures against them would be lifted, noting that these promises had not been kept. Noted the letter further:

"Of course Turkey will be required to recognize Cyprus after becoming a member of the EU. But not today's Cyprus; instead, it must be a Cyprus over which Turkish and Greek residents agree. For the EU to both want Turkey to open its air and sea ports to Southern Cyprus and to keep European ports closed to Northern Cypriots is meaningless and wrong."Â