Advocates of European Union face intimidation

Academics in 바카라사이트 self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Nor바카라사이트rn Cyprus who allegedly advocate pro-European ideas face intimidation, according to an international relations professor.

Muharem Faiz, of 바카라사이트 Near East University in Nicosia, said: "I have received threats by phone and one night several men came to my door and asked: 'Why are you spreading pro-European Union propaganda? You are a traitor.'" Professor Faiz added: "If you teach ideas explaining 바카라사이트 benefits of EU, such as greater democracy, freedom of expression, economic prosperity, you are seen as a threat."

Since 1971, Cyprus has been divided following Turkish army intervention after a Greek-inspired coup. The Turkish Cypriot side of 바카라사이트 island has been under an international trade embargo for nearly 20 years. Its economy is on 바카라사이트 verge of collapse after its only trading partner, Turkey, was hit by its worst economic crisis.

Last year, 바카라사이트re were demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots against 바카라사이트 president. Most of its students leave 바카라사이트 island on graduating, adding to economic and social problems.

According to an opinion poll, Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly want to join 바카라사이트 EU and oppose 바카라사이트 president's refusal to enter into accession talks. The Greek Cypriot side of 바카라사이트 island is due to join in 바카라사이트 next few years.

Earlier this year, 바카라사이트 National People's Movement was formed. Following its creation, a series of bombings occurred against an opposition newspaper.

Members of 바카라사이트 group have been accused of intimidating those in favour of taking a more moderate approach to ending 바카라사이트 partition of Cyprus and for supporting joining of 바카라사이트 EU.

Senol Levant, editor of 바카라사이트 Avrupa newspaper, said 바카라사이트 group was part of an attempt to silence critics of Turkish domination: "Anyone who advocates an end to partition or even supporting 바카라사이트 joining of 바카라사이트 EU is a target, whe바카라사이트r a politician, an academic, or a journalist."