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/New EU sanctions call likely to face opposition/ THE BICKERING between the
government and the political parties over Cyprus' stance on the Yugoslavia
crisis was set to continue with the EU demanding the imposition of a bigger
package of sanctions against Belgrade.
Phileleftheros
reported that the German presidency of the EU had told the Cyprus
government that it should align itself with the EU decision for the
imposition of more sanctions against Yugoslavia. Brussels' demand was
conveyed to the foreign minister by Germany's ambassador, who made it clear
that the EU decision also applied to applicant countries. Although the
government has asked the advice of the Attorney-general with regard to the
implementation of the sanctions, all indications are that it will align
itself with the EU. The government has admitted it cannot by itself impose
sanctions that require the passing of legislation, because of the pro-
Serbian stance of the parties represented in the House.
Simerini
reported that China had gone on the diplomatic counter-offensive, making it
very clear that it had no intention to support the plan of the Group of
Eight for an end to the war in Yugoslavia. This followed China's demand for
an apology from the US for the attack on its embassy in Belgrade and the
decision to quit negotiations with the Americans on human rights. The
developments would adversely affect the efforts to find a way out of the
current diplomatic deadlock. In Moscow, the view expressed by the deputy
president of the Duma, Sergei Bambourit, that the deadlock would be broken
if Russia helped Yugoslavia militarily, was gaining ground.
Haravghi
led with Nato's insistence on continuing its attacks on Yugoslavia despite
calls from Russia and China for an end to the bombing, as a pre-requisite
for a peace deal. Despite the flocking of western diplomats into Moscow for
talks on the future of Kosovo, Nato was stepping up its attacks. Nato
chiefs were now planning to launch air attacks from Hungary and Turkey in
an attempt to surround Yugoslavia militarily and isolate it politically.
This would increase the pressure on President Milosevic and also destroy
the remaining air defences of Yugoslavia.
Politis
claimed that British and American diplomats were preparing an "attractive
package" in order to persuade the Turkish Cypriots to return to the
negotiating table. Informal recognition of the pseudo-state and the
temporary lifting of the trade embargo would be two of the inducements
included in the package, the paper said. US ambassador Kenneth Brill
maintained there could be a new initiative despite Turkey's opposition to
the involvement of the Group of Eight in the peace process. The paper
speculated that Turkish opposition was aimed at securing more advantages
for eventually agreeing to talks.
Alithia
quoted Brill as saying that an end to the Kosovo crisis was not a pre-
condition for a new initiative on Cyprus. However, he dismissed press
reports suggesting that a settlement plan already existed. He said the US
was working with the EU and interested parties to set up a "comprehensive
negotiating procedure".
Machi led with a
report about the Attorney-general's decision to order a disciplinary
inquiry against senior counsel Akis Papasavvas. Papasavvas is being accused
of showing hostility towards his superiors and refusal to obey orders.
© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1999
