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/Alternatives in the US package.../ THE Greek language press yesterday gave
most of its attention to the Cyprus problem and the US allegedly sending a
package of alternatives to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.
Simerini
said that the US was trying to tempt Denktash to the negotiating table with
the promise of making it worth his while financially. According to the
paper's diplomatic sources "the Americans who do not work on the logic of
applying pressure but on the system of exchange" are ready to offer the
Turkish Cypriots financial aid and the possibility of forming trade
agreements with other countries.
Simerini_
_continued that the aid would be given "in conjunction with the EU, the
logic of the mutual trust building measures and the development of a final
solution to the Cyprus problem".
Phileleftheros_
_reported that "Washington wants progress because of president (Bill)
Clinton's involvement". The paper said that even though the negotiation
process was still "foggy" because of the Turkish side's "obsession for
maximalist demands," the Americans continued to process ideas and scenarios
which will be presented to both sides at the most suitable time. The
Americans were aiming Clinton's visits to the region in the Autumn to
coincide with progress on the issue.
Alithia_
_said that negotiations in New York in September and President Glafcos
Clerides’ meeting with Denktash in October were all part of the US plan.
Clinton's upcoming meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit in
Washington would also play a vital part in the process. According to_
Alithia sources, Western diplomats are optimistic that Denktash would finally go to the negotiation table despite chronic indications to the contrary. The same sources, according to the paper, also indicated that talks between Clerides and Denktash would probably take place in October, "either in the presence of UN Secretary-general (Kofi Annan) or one of his top representatives." _ The paper also said that the new American ambassador to Cyprus, Donald Butler, would be beginning his official duties between August 20 and 22.
Machi differed
from the other papers in devoting its front page to government reshuffle
rumours. The paper said that only Government Spokesman Costas Serezis would
be removed from his position during the "mini-reshuffle" in September. A
wider reshuffle would take place a month later after a series of
discussions between Clerides and Disy. The paper said that Serezis would
probably be replaced by Disy deputy Prodromos Prodromou or party member
Chrysostomos Sofianos. Prodromou, it reported, had already been urged to
accept the position if it was offered to him.
Haravghi said
that Communist Party Akel would recommend that all stock exchange gains be
taxed. The paper said it had information from Akel deputy Kikis Kazamias
and that the decision had been taken because of complaints that people had
made large amounts of money on the stockmarket without being taxed.
Politis,
meanwhile, said that there was "hysteria for the king of life," referring
to the solar eclipse today. The paper also printed a merged picture
depicting February's total eclipse as seen in western Australia.
© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1999
