Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-11-29

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Saturday, November 29, 1997

Turkey issues threat to EU

WHILE the presidential election speculation continued, some papers decided to turn their attention to Turkey's relations with the Europe, in view of next month's EU summit in Luxembourg.

Phileleftheros said that Ankara was trying to strengthen its bargaining position ahead of the summit by resorting to thinly-veiled threats and upping its demands of the EU. In its last meeting, the National Security Council had decided that EU accession "would no longer be on Turkey's agenda" if the EU summit did not take a decision that was favourable to Turkey.

According to press reports, the least Ankara expected was an EU announcement on Turkey's eligibility for membership. Another report said that there was a divergence of opinion among Turkish government officials over the tactics that should be followed in pursuit of EU membership.

Alithia said that the European Commission was demanding "positive signs" from Turkey, aimed at improving its relations with the EU. Turkey's National Security Council had taken a tough stance towards the EU because it was "luring Turkey with false promises about accession".

Simerini claimed that British envoy Sir David Hannay's "unacceptable comments", that the Turkish settlers would not leave after a settlement, were the result of the Greek Cypriot side's "concessions, tolerance and inaction" over the years.

It said that the House of Representatives had also accepted responsibility as it had not discussed the issue of the settlers for seven years. Disy deputy, Yiannakis Matsis, said the matter had taken "explosive dimensions".

Machi said that Diko was looking for a "fourth candidate" to back in the presidential elections as Attorney-general Alecos Markides had, reportedly, decided not to stand. It based its report on unnamed, "close associates" of Markides.

According to "very reliable sources" in Strasbourg, where Markides was for government business, the messages sent to Diko about the elections were "totally negative", the paper said.

Haravghi reported that support for Akel candidate George Iacovou was growing. It said that "well-known personalities from the wider democratic and patriotic field, including Makarios forces (sic), support the independent candidacy of Iacovou".

Agon said that President Clerides and Diko leader Spyros Kyprianou would meet in the next few days to discuss the presidential elections. Behind-the-scenes efforts had been made to make the meeting possible, the paper said.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1997

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