# CE2004084EN.01073001.xml

| 3.4.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 84/730 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 84/730

---

(2004/C 84 E/0822)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2748/03

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(15 September 2003)

Subject:   Rizokarpasso primary school

Subject:

In my previous question (E-2033/03 (1)), I asked the Commission to do everything within its power, in the context of the rapprochement between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, to secure the re-opening of the secondary school at Rizokarpasso in occupied Cyprus. Unfortunately, however, not only has the secondary school failed to re-open but the Denktash regime appears also to have decided to close the primary school in the area. Since requiring the two teachers to leave Rizokarpasso within two hours, the authorities have as yet failed to approve the transfer of the two new teachers who, according to instructions from the Education Ministry, should have taken up their duties on 1 September.

1

The inevitable result of this particular practice will be to stifle all cultural and educational opportunities for the population of the enclave. Without teachers, the school will close. The children will either be forced to stay in their villages deprived of the fundamental right to education or they will abandon their homes to become refugees.

At practically the same time, the regime announced via its police authorities that it was banning pilgrims from entering the Holy Church of St Synesios at Rizokarpasso, one of several visited by many pilgrims since the partial lifting of travel restrictions.

Is the Commission aware of the developments surrounding the primary school at Rizokarpasso? What representations will it make to the Denktash regime and the Turkish government, in accordance with its obligations under the partnership agreement for the accession of Turkey, to avert the prospect of such an inauspicious future for Greek Cypriot families living in this enclave in occupied Cyprus?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2003)

(29 October 2003)

The Commission is fully aware of the school situation in the enclaved Greek Cypriot community of Rizokarpasso. Only recently the Commission replied to several written questions (2) of and letters by Honourable Members regarding the situation in Rizokarpasso.

2

Within the framework of the Council, the issue was also discussed in the last COCEN-COSEE (3) meeting in the Council and Greece provided its own extensive information on the obstacles to the operation of the primary school.

3

The Presidency has instructed its Embassy in Nicosia to gather further information including an assessment by the Government of the Republic. The Presidency stated that the issue would have to be discussed in depth before any form of action could be considered by the Union.

The Honourable Member will appreciate, as earlier indicated in the replies, that the Commission's responsibilities in the field of education are restricted and limited in accordance with Article 149 of the EC Treaty.

---

(1)  See page 729.

1

(2)  Joint reply to E-1983/03 by Mr Alavanos and E-2033/03 by Mr Hatzidakis.

2

(3)  Central and Southeast Europe Working Party in the Council.

3

---