Independent In-depth Paragraph by Paragraph Analysis of the Implications of the Annan Plan

Foundation Agreement

Article 5 The federal government

2. The Office of Head of State is vested in the Presidential Council, which shall exercise the executive power:

d. The offices of President and Vice-President of the Council shall rotate every ten calendar months among members of the Council. No more than two consecutive Presidents may come from the same constituent state. The President, and in his absence or temporary incapacity, the Vice-President, shall represent the Council as Head of State and Head of Government. The President and Vice-President shall not enjoy a casting vote or otherwise increased powers within the Council.

Comments

A rotating presidency is completely unprecedented and would be unworkable in any federal system within the EU and will cause resentment among the majority of the people of Cyprus. There is no way that a consistent and stable home, foreign and economic policy or any form of governance can be archived with the system described above. The fact that there will be no casting vote is a recipe for perpetual deadlock. It will be totally impossible for Cyprus to carry out its EU obligations. The clause forbidding more than two consecutive presidents form hailing form the same constituent state can easily be circumvented by a change of residency so is completely pointless.

The above paragraph must be struck out and replaced in the interests of fairness and governance.

Amendment Required

2. The Office of Head of State is vested in the President, who shall exercise the executive power in consultation with the councils of ministers

d. The President and Vice-President shall not hail from the same constituents state. In accordance with the freedom of movement enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights a candidate for president of vice president may freely change his permanent place of residence in order to qualify for the post. The President, and in his absence or temporary incapacity, the Vice-President, shall represent Cyprus as Head of State and Head of Government. The President or in his absence or temporary incapacity his nominee and shall enjoy a casting vote within the Council of Ministers.

Clarification Required

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