Frequently Asked Questions about Embargoed!

1. When was Embargoed! launched and why?

The group was formed in September 2004 and launched on 4 March 2005. Our launch date coincided with the 41st anniversary of the formal start of the embargoes against Turkish Cypriots on 4 March 1964 when UN Resolution 186 was passed. This badly worded Resolution referred to the then Greek Cypriot authority as the 'Government of Cyprus', without referring to the constitutional rights of Turkish Cypriots as political equals. The fallout of this is still being experienced today.

2. Why did you call yourselves Embargoed!?

The group felt it needed a short name that explained what our cause was about or at least to make people curious about who we were.

3. What is the purpose/campaign mission of Embargoed!?

We are a human rights group that is campaigning for the immediate and unconditional end to all embargoes against Turkish Cypriots and North Cyprus.

4. Is Embargoed! tied to any political party or organisation?

No, we are independent of all political parties and groups.

5. How do you fund your campaign?

Through annual membership subscriptions, fundraising and donations.

6. Are you funded by any political party or organisation?

No - see response to above question. Embargoed! would refuse any donations that would compromise its independence and/or the group's integrity.

7. Which groups do you work with?

Embargoed! is open to working with all groups and organisations that share its peaceful aims to end the embargoes against North Cyprus and whose actions and/or political stance would not compromise Embargoed!'s independence, integrity and values. To date, we have formed common actions that involved both UK, Turkish and Turkish Cypriot associations.

8. Why are you focussing on human rights and not on a political settlement?

Embargoed! believes that an embargo-free life is the fundamental right of every human being regardless of their political stance. It is outrageous that while Greek Cypriots enjoy their basic human rights and freedoms, Turkish Cypriots and others living and working in North Cyprus are denied theirs, told by the international community they can only regain their basic rights when a political settlement comes. This very approach is why the Cyprus Conflict has dragged on as long as it has - because the two sides are not treated equally. When this situation changes, we believe the two sides will naturally and freely determine their preferred political settlement.

9. Do you advocate a political solution in Cyprus?

No, we do not advocate any political settlement for Cyprus. Our diverse membership have different views on their preferred solutions, some would like to see a united Cyprus without any borders, others support a bi-zonal bi-federal settlement, while others still seek a two-State solution. What unites us is our opposition to the unjust embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots.

Ultimately, it is up to the two peoples of Cyprus to decide what is the best political settlement for them. External parties should not interfere in this process or seek to dictate solutions to them.

10. How large is your support base?

We enjoy widespread support among Turkish Cypriots and many others in North Cyprus, the UK and beyond. Our subscribing membership runs into hundreds, while thousands more have signed up to our online petition and social networking groups.

11. Who are your members?

Membership of Embargoed! is open to everyone that shares our campaign aims and ethics, and abides by our Constitution and Code of Conduct.

Our group is multi-ethnic, with members of all ages and from a wide spectrum of social and professional backgrounds (businesspeople, students, professionals, housewives etc). While our opinions regarding the Cyprus question and general politics vary, we are all united on human rights and wanting to see the world honour its promises to free Turkish Cypriots following their 'Yes' vote in the Annan Plan referendum in April 2004.

12. Do I have to be a member or pay a donation to sign the Charter petition?

No. Although membership subscriptions and donations are vital in funding our campaign, you do not need to pay a membership subscription fee to support our campaign activities or to receive our electronic newsletter. These are open to all sympathisers.

13. How are the Executive Committee for Embargoed! chosen?

Officers of the Executive Committee are drawn from our membership. We hold elections each year and those interested in standing for a position are invited to put their nominations forward, which must be seconded by two other Embargoed! members. We then have a secret ballot to decide any contested posts.

14. What do you do with the money you collect from membership subscriptions, fundraising and donations?

Embargoed! is driven by volunteers, but increasingly we see the scope of this campaign needs to have dedicated and specialist resources, particularly as our targets include international Governments and agencies. From graphic design to public relations, professional support costs money, as do the tools we use to lobby, such as producing brochures and websites. We also need to cover basic administrative expenses, such as stationery, stamps, envelopes, telephone, and travel.

15. Why do you believe Embargoed! can make a difference, when the TRNC and Turkish politicians have not been able to succeed in this?

Because the targets set are achievable and people power is key to this. The denial of basic human rights for Turkish Cypriots cannot continue to be defended in today's political climate. The UN, US, EU and UK have already voiced support for ending the Turkish Cypriots' isolation. In other words, the door is already ajar and only needs to be leant on to open! We need to remain engaged in this process to ensure the promises made are kept.

Around the world we continue to witness how people power is successfully challenging unjust regimes and decisions, from the fall of apartheid in South Africa to the Gurkhas winning their right to come and live in Britain. These people-led campaigns make the politicians sit-up and listen. Our position is no different.

Previously, Turkish Cypriots have not been as vocal or organised or unified enough to make the necessary impact. Embargoed! hopes to change that by providing a common, intelligent platform that everyone can back and show the world we will not accept the current state of affairs.

16. How long will you carry on for?

As long as it takes and as long as we have active support from the people.

17. What happens if Embargoed! succeeds and the embargoes are lifted?

We will close Embargoed! and go and find ourselves a new mission!

18. Do you restrict flags or banners at your demonstrations?

Embargoed! is happy for people to bring flags and banners to its demonstrations. However, as a human rights campaign that is open to people from all ethnic and national backgrounds, it is important that our actions are as inclusive as possible. Having a mass of Turkish and/or Turkish Cypriot flags on display does not necessarily reflect this. Also, waving flags doesn't necessarily get the point across, so we would prefer people bring banners with messages on.

What we will not tolerate are flags or banners that would cause offence to others, such as the displaying of a flag related to a fascist group or a banner inciting racial hatred of others.

Last Update:
24th Jan 2012