Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-04-01

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Washington Post editorial attacks Cyprus-EU accession talks

[02] Kasoulides stresses Cyprus' accession to the EU is certain

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[01] Washington Post editorial attacks Cyprus-EU accession talks

Washington, Apr 1 (CNA) -- In a provocative editorial today under the title "The Cyprus Mess", Washington Post denounces the European Union decision to start accession talks with Cyprus and not with Turkey.

"The bids by Cyprus and Turkey to join the EU were once thought to provide incentives for an easing of tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots too," the editorial says.

The diplomatic prize for such a move by the EU, it argues, would have been "a general settling down of an agitated corner of Europe."

The Washington Post editorial accuses the EU of having "fumbled the opportunity away" and claims that "now there is a fresh talk of war, and it's American diplomacy to the rescue again."

Describing as "awkward enough when the EU took in Greece (in 1981) but not its strategically more powerfully but economically and politically less ready rival Turkey," the article claims in this way, the EU "invited Greece to play the gatekeeper."

It also claims that "Germany inspired in part by its domestic argument over Turkey guest workers, took a similar role."

The result, according to the newspaper was that "the Turks were insultingly denied a place in the queue of would be new members", while, "others, including Cyprus and the new Central European democracies, went right into the line."

According to the article, Turkey in reaction to the EU decision suspended talks between "the Greek government of divided Cyprus and the enclave that Ankara controls in the north, by threats to annex the enclave and by military gestures."

It adds "Greek Cypriots imprudently ordered anti-aircraft missiles from Russia."

"A year ago it was possible to wonder why the US should get into this particular European mess", Washington Post says, arguing that "American leadership role in NATO makes Washington the rescuer of last resort when two alliance members depart reason."

"The Europeans should not be let off the hook," the article adds, pointing out that "Greece and Turkey are not Middle East, they are Europe."

"This is not 1948, it is 1998. Europeans should have been able to compose a single political intelligence to deal with the Greek-Turkish question," it adds.

Concluding, the editorial doubts the ability of the EU to handle its internal affairs.

"At the least, the EU could have handled its accession affairs in a manner that, if it did not ease national grievances, would not have aggravated them".

It adds "the US is left to help, if it can, bring Greeks and Turks back to the starting line."

Meanwhile, Cyprus Ambassador in Washington, Andros Nicolaides told "The Washington Times" today that Turkey's threats of annexing the Turkish- occupied areas of Cyprus was "nothing that was not expected" and described them as "just another type of aggression".

Nicolaides said if Cyprus was left out of accession talks "it would be like leaving a small animal in the mouth of a lion".

He also called on the Turkish Cypriots "to join hands with us (Greek Cypriots)" and join the talks, pointing out the benefits from EU membership.

The Cypriot diplomat also referred to the purchase by Cyprus of Russian- made S-300 surface-to-air missiles and Turkish threats to block their shipment.

Nicolaides said any military action would be catastrophic for Turkey and would isolate it completely.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

CNA DA/MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] Kasoulides stresses Cyprus' accession to the EU is certain

Ioannis Kasoulides made clear there is no question of delaying the accession process, pointing out that there have been plenty of chances during the past 24 years for the resolution of the Cyprus problem.

Welcoming all foreign envoys wishing to assist efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, Kasoulides added, however, the government had no information concerning the visit of US Presidential Emissary, Richard Holbrooke, expected to arrive here on Friday.

Kasoulides described Cyprus-EU accession talks as the most positive element since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island.

He said, "no country entered accession talks without success", stressing that the EU would not allow for such talks to begin if it judged the applicant country would not be in a position to conclude them successfully.

"There is no question of delaying Cyprus' accession course under the present circumstances", Kasoulides stressed, pointing out that, with the beginning of accession talks the prospects, for a Cyprus settlement can improve.

"If we knew that the Cyprus problem could be solved, we could hold the accession process but we know Rauf Denktash (the Turkish Cypriot leader) and there had been chances during the past 24 years for a settlement".

Stressing that a lot of movement is expected this month concerning efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, he said the government welcomes "all envoys of foreign governments, wishing and willing to contribute in order to break the present deadlock".

"The position of the government has always been that the work of the UN Secretary General should be assisted by the five permanent members of the Security Council, either together or separately", he added.

"It was the duty of the Cyprus government, both towards Greek and Turkish Cypriots, to submit the application for EU membership", Kasoulides said, pointing out that this will be the last EU enlargement for a long time.

Asked to comment on the expected arrival of Richard Holbrooke to Cyprus, Kasoulides said he had no knowledge of the US Emissary's visit.

"Neither the Cyprus government, nor the Greek government is aware of anything", he said, replying to a question.

"Holbrooke keeps his cards close to his chest", Kasoulides added, pointing out that he has not revealed much, even to his closest associates in the State Department.

CNA MAN/MCH/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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