To:

The European Commission
The Secretariat for Enlargement of the EU
Members of the United Nations
Members of the Parliaments of Cyprus and Greece
The Honourable President of the USA
Officials of the Dept. of State of the USA

Through this letter, we voice our strong reservations to the family of European nations to grant the Turkish Republic the privilege of beginning accession negotiations for EU membership. After many months of hope and trust in the government of Mr. Erdogan to promote the implementation of democratic reforms, economic transparency and the rule of law, we are now convinced that he does not have the interest nor the will to accept the basic values of democracy and international law.

Ankara has failed to comply with the Copenhagen criteria in refusing to recognise the Republic of Cyprus and in ending its illegal military occupation of a significant area of Cyprus. Furthermore, the regime in Ankara, against all logic, has escalated its harrassment and violation of the sovereignty of its neighbor, Greece, at serious risk to peace and stability in the region.

Economically, Ankara has failed to comply with the demands set forth by the IMF in implementing true institutional transparency and fiscal reforms that unless implemented promptly, promise to imperil any viable and functional fiscal integration within EU institutions. Indeed, any integration with EU institutions at this time will imperil the entire fiscal picture of the EU as a whole and will endanger its very functionality and viability.

With regard to civil liberties, the regime in Ankara has escalated its threats against the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the spiritual center of Orthodox Christianity and has condoned the violent acts by elements which are known to be affiliated with institutions of the Ankara regime. Freedom of speech remains elusive for millions of Kurds and for other ethnic and religious minorities, spiting any semblance of compliance with EU norms.

We therefore strongly appeal to the EU and its institutions, to the Greek and Cypriot Parliaments and their political institutions that it is premature to grant Ankara the privilege of membership to a family whose values are rooted in democracy, freedom and the rule of law.
Ankara should be made to understand that only by full compliance with EU law and justice will she be able to be considered.

The undersigned:

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