BY MUMTAZ SOYSAL
CUMHURIYET- Columnist Mumtaz Soysal proposes using diplomatic conventions to end interference in Northern Cyprus. A summary of his column is as follows:
In the language of diplomacy, the Latin expression ‘persona grata’ means ‘a person welcomed and accepted.’ Diplomats are seen this way by the countries they’re posted in and they thereby benefit from certain important privileges and immunities. In return, there are certain conditions which they should take care to observe. For example, they aren’t to interfere in the domestic affairs of their host country. If they go against this, they face the danger of being declared ‘persona non grata,’ that is, ‘an unwelcome, undesirable person,’ and so being expelled from the country. All these matters were laid out in detailed international pacts in the 19th and 20th centuries, the latest being the 1975 Vienna Convention.
In addition, there are also ‘temporary or special representatives’ appointed in order to address a specific problem, provided that they too comply with the rules binding all other diplomats. If they don’t, naturally they would be declared ‘persona non grata.’ It’s no surprise, but most representatives from Western states posted in the Greek Cypriot administration are talking with Turkish Cypriot opposition parties and certain institutions calling themselves ‘non-governmental organizations’ (NGOs). Following these contacts, all in the runup to December’s Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) general elections, we’re hearing all sorts of rumors which might be considered ‘interfering in domestic affairs, materially and psychologically.’ It’s a complicated story: The TRNC isn’t recognized by these states, so it can’t protect from such damaging innuendo. So why doesn’t Turkey itself do something about it? We are considered an ‘invader’ on Cyprus and are even expected to pay compensation in European courts because of this. So why don’t we call up these countries’ ambassadors in Ankara and tell them to cease and desist? For example, whenever US Special Envoy for Cyprus Thomas Weston visits Ankara, he makes certain statements which can be considered interference in the upcoming elections. Would it be so difficult for us to tell him, ‘You’re dangerously close to being persona non grata here’?