What do you think of Moscow’s position on the Cyprus problem, especially in the light of the failure of UN Secretary General’s plan?
After the Turkish part of Cyprus voted for Kofi Annan’s plan, Vladimir Putin stated that it is absolutely senseless and foul to continue isolating the Turkish part of Cyprus. Of course, Turks were pleasantly surprised with the words of the Russian President. Judging by the official reaction of the Greek and Cyprian parties, they have seen no real sign of a change in Moscow’s policy in this issue yet. The EU is known to prepare for presentation of a new plan of resolution to Cyprian problem, however, as I know, Russia is for Annan’s plan and it will not support that of the EU. I think, the fact that Turks provided Russia with an opportunity to occur in the internal gas, oil and now energy markets of Turkey played a definite role here. The privatization of Turkish energy distribution networks is in process, with Russia displaying an interest in it. Besides, a possibility of laying electricity transmission lines along the bottom of Black Sea is currently under consideration. It is most probably that Russia also gave its agreement on the construction and even financing of the Trans-Thracian oil pipeline. Construction of a gas terminal in the port Ceyhan is supposed to become the largest Russian investment program abroad, though no official announcements have been made in this connection.
It is necessary to assess as another factor that 40,000-strong Turkish army is dislocated in Cyprus, which is favorable for the USA as Cyprus is close to Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and, which is the most important, to Ceyhan. Factually, in the strategic aspect, Cyprus protects Ceyhan, i.e. the uninterrupted supply of oil from Ceyhan terminal. Americans plan to construct a military base in Cyprus, where they have a tracking base, which is the largest in the Middle East controlling over the South Caucasus, Middle East and Arab states. As regards Europe, it is also favorable for it that Cyprus be restored as a united state. If Annan’s plan were accepted, Europe would have to allocate over $20 billion for its implementation.
Read the entire intrview in the link below (A must read, for some, so they don't accuse me of "cospiracy theories - you are not included, Insan!).
http://globalpolitician.com/articles.asp?ID=319
