MEP in suspension bid over airport row (From Warrington Guardian)

MEP in suspension bid over airport row

MEP in suspension bid over airport row

WARRINGTON MEP Chris Davies has demanded to be suspended from the European Parliament if disciplinary action is taken against a colleague criticised for using an airport in an 'illegal' part of Cyprus.

Chris Davies, leader of the British Liberal Democrats in Europe, told the Parliament's president that he too has used the airport at Ercan, near Nicosia, when visiting Turkish Cypriot elected representatives.

His call to be suspended is in response to Greek Cypriot demands that Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP be disciplined for using the airport while on a recent fact-finding visit.

Greek Cypriots allege that the MEP's action implied recognition of the 'illegal' Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.

Mr Davies said: "It is time to stop this name-calling nonsense and for Greek Cypriots to learn how to act like Europeans instead of behaving as playground bullies.

"I am very concerned that Greek Cypriots are using their influence within the EU to ensure that Turkish Cypriots are treated as second class citizens."

The divided island of Cyprus joined the European Union last year.

The internationally recognised government is elected by Greek Cypriots, but it controls only 60 per cent of the island and refuses to accept the authority of Turkish Cypriot representatives.

The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey and all flights to the state have to touch down at Istanbul.