Doc. 8648
7 February 2000

Sporting rights of the Turkish Cypriot people

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Gürkan and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The Turkish Cypriot people have been denied the right to participate in international sporting events since 1964. The political problem in Cyprus has been allowed to prevent all kinds of contacts between Turkish Cypriot sporting teams and teams of any other country.

2.       Sporting activities and international contests are an integral part of the education of young people, both mental and physical. Prevention of Turkish Cypriot youth from engaging in international contests constitutes a violation of their human rights. Sporting activities should instead be used for promoting the ties of friendship and building bridges of peace between peoples.

3.       The Assembly is concerned by the restrictions imposed on Turkish Cypriot people and demands that they be allowed and assisted to integrate with the rest of the member nations of the Council of Europe, of which they are an undeniable part.

Signed :

Gürkan, Turkey, SOC

Goulet, France, EDG

Gülek, Turkey, SOC

Kalkan, Turkey, EDG

Saakashvili, Georgia, EDG

Saglam, Turkey, EPP/CD

Sinka, Latvia, EDG

Taylor J.D., United Kingdom, EPP/CD

Telek, Turkey, EDG

Yáňez-Barnuevo, Spain, SOC

Yürür, Turkey, EDG

Zhirinovsky, Russia, NR

____________________

       SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group