US Takes Solid Step, Donates $30 Million to TRNC

The US will reportedly provide $30 million in financial assistance to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The aid is seen as a way to ease the economic isolation of TRNC and reward the Turkish efforts towards unification of the island.

A high-ranking US State Department official confirmed yesterday, "We are working on an aid package to lighten the economic isolation and keep the idea of unification alive."

US House of Representatives Appropriation Sub Committee Spokesman John Scofield announced the approval of a recommendation made by US President George W. Bush to meet the aid through previously set aside funds.

In addition, US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said that the US plans to follow the EU’s lead in lifting the economic sanctions on TRNC.

Bulent Aliriza, a Cyprus expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, commented on the news. "With this money, the US helps the Turkish side in Cyprus meet emergency needs. In addition, by removing the economic imbalance on the island the US sends a clear message that it is acting in the direction of unification of the island."

The EU Commission announced that the Cyprus package still had to be approved by the EU Council.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen’s Spokesman Christophe Filori said yesterday, "The Commission brought a recommendation and submitted to the Council. Cyprus, Greece and the other countries will make their attitudes on the package known. First let’s see how and which attitude the Council will adopt. None of the members’ right of objection can be denied."

While Filori explained the Cyprus package’s approval process in the Council, he reminded that the decision to disperse the financial aid package of 259 million euros requires unanimity according to Article 308 of the EU Convention. Financial aid for trade requires a majority of the votes and is bound by Article 133.