Letter: Turks in Cyprus

Sir: Lord Bethell's article on the Cyprus problem (18 October) highlights the frustration felt by both the Greek and Turkish indigenous populations. However, it should be emphasised that many believe that Turkey, in intervening in 1974, was only exercising its rights under Article 4 of the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, which was signed by Britain, Greece, Turkey, the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots themselves. Indeed, many Turkish Cypriots believe, rightly or wrongly, that the continuing presence of the Turkish army in the northern part of the island gives them protection against massacres similar to those of 1963, 1967 and 1974.

It is unlikely that the Turkish troops will leave until the world community recognises the Northern Republic, and UN resolution 649, calling upon the two peoples of Cyprus to co-operate on an equal footing, is adhered to.

Yours sincerely,

DUNCAN PONIKWER

Carshalton, Surrey