Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-02-24

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

Tuesday, February 24, 1998

Preparations under way for accession talks

THE preparations by the Greek and Cypriot governments in view of the start of EU accession talks in a few days is the main subject in most Greek newspapers.

Phileleftheros says that Britain and EU envoy for Cyprus Sir David Hannay is preparing to launch proximity talks between the two sides in Cyprus to discuss the issue of the participation of Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus' EU negotiating team.

The paper says that the initiative has little hope of success because of the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's denial to participate in any talks unless he attains the status of `state' leader.

On another issue the paper says that the American government has `advised' the Cypriot government not to go ahead with the purchase of the S-300 missiles because it will not be in a position nor is it willing to intervene in the case of a violent Turkish reaction to the deployment of the missiles.

Simerini says that the Greek and Cypriot governments have started preparations for the accession talks.

The paper says that Greek Foreign Ministry under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis is expected to arrive in Cyprus today to discuss strategy with Cypriot officials.

According to the paper the participation of Turkish Cypriots remains the thorny issue.

Alithia says that the split in Diko seems to be permanent now, with all sides holding on to their positions.

The paper says that Diko leader Spyros Kyprianou is even considering the employment of George Iacovou by the party in an attempt to re-unite the party.

According to the paper the party leadership will try to silence any critics and will narrow the possibility of any party executives seeking to depose party leader Spyros Kyprianou.

Agon reveals that one of the propositions to be put forward by Sir David Hannay during his talks in Cyprus is that the Cypriot government agrees to the lifting of the export embargo imposed on Turkish Cypriots.

The paper says that this proposition has already been made known to Greek government officials.

Haravghi says that according to the Economist magazine the solution of the Cyprus problem will be based on a `weak' central government.

The plan which is based on British ideas envisages the reduction of Turkish troops on the island to 5,000 men.

To Tharros says that Diko leader Spyros Kyprianou does not seem to be very fond of the idea of forging a common pact with Akel to oppose the Clerides administration.

The paper says that the rejection of such a development by many party members has forced Kyprianou to seek new formulas of partnership with the communist Akel party.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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