Britain Warns Turkey Of An Arms Embargo If Denktash Intransigence Continues

On January 24, 2001, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) released a statement on Britain's reaction to the Turkish Cypriot decision to withdraw from the next round of proximity talks on Cyprus that were due to be held in Geneva later this month.

"AHI condemns the continued refusal of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Rauf Denktash to commit himself to participate in the UN sponsored proximity talks on Cyprus. Mr. Denktash's intransigence comes in defiance of personal representations from UN, U.S., European Union and British emissaries. His negative approach violates the common will of the international community as expressed by the UN Security Council and the G8 industrial nations.

The time has come for the international community to respond vigorously to Denktash's gestures. Given that it is clear that Denktash is acting on authority from the Turkish government, the proper recipient of international action is Ankara. AHI notes with satisfaction that the British government has warned that an arms embargo may be applied to Turkey in the event that Denktash's intransigence and Turkey's support for it continue. AHI regards Britain's response as fully appropriate and long overdue.

AHI urges the new U.S. administration and Congress to make similar statements."