Cyprus-Forum.com

[cannedmoose]

Britain blocks EU missive on Turkey
By Myria Andoniadou

BRITAIN, followed by Italy, yesterday blocked the “common position” which the EU was going to issue at the Association Council with Turkey next week, an outcome that may even lead to its cancellation.

The issue will be taken up by the Permanent Representatives (COREPER) tomorrow and if they do not manage to reach agreement it will be referred to the Foreign Ministers, who have a Council in Luxembourg on Monday.

If the 25 don’t manage to come up with a common position then they will have to postpone the Association Council, which deals with the customs union agreement and is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, a British official said London disagrees with the proposed text for two reasons. Firstly, it believes a reference that Turkey has not only to sign but “subsequently implement” the protocol extending the Ankara Agreement (customs union) goes beyond what the heads of state had decided last December.

The second sticking point for the British is that the text refers to the need for Turkey to normalise its relations with all member states, but goes on to call for the establishment of bilateral relations with all 25, including Cyprus.

Britain does not consider normalisation of relations a problem but believes this reference goes too far and is politically tied to settlement procedures. It would be wrong to bring it into the Association Council, the official said.

The common position pleased Nicosia as, for the first time, it refers to normalisation of relations between Cyprus and Turkey.

According to sources, it also calls upon Turkey to lift its restrictions to trade and transport, which practically means allow Cyprus-flagged ships to dock at its ports, and stop blocking Cyprus’ participation in international organisations.

Sources said there will be no dire repercussions if the Association Council is cancelled nor will the start of accession talks (October 3) be affected. It will send out strong political messages, though.

This time, however, it was not Nicosia blocking. The common position was to be agreed by the so-called “silent procedure” which means all 25 were given the text and if no-one raised reservations until a specific time it is considered as agreed.
Britain and Italy “broke the silence”.

--------------------------------------------------

Have to say that I think the UK was wrong on this occasion. I don't see why there should be barriers to bilateral relations between Turkey and Cyprus, they could still be couched in terms that establish relations between the two countries, rather than the states (as in the example of Switzerland, albeit not a member of the EU that avoids recognition issues by establishing relations with countries and not simply the state that governs it).

I also don't see why implementation should not be a requirement of candidate countries, too many of the existing member states play fast and loose with EU policy, this is just exporting that practice to prospective members. As for the transportation issue, I think it would be mutually beneficial for Turkey to permit Cypriot-registered shipping to dock at its ports. Facilitating trade in the region can only promote prosperity, who cares what flag it flies (many of the ships are Greek anyway), after all Liberia has been a failed state for years, with some dubious characters in power, does that stop countries accepting its large fleet of registered-ships?

I think Britain (and Italy for that matter) have dropped a ball on this one.

[Kifeas]

And then bananiot wonders why Cypriots consider the Brits along with the Americans the true enemies of Cyprus. Of course it yet once more explains why the Cyprus problem has not been solved for 30 years. How it can be solved if Turkey feels the support of the Anglo-American shoulders all the time? How it will be solved if the Anglo-American duo is always bending on all 4 legs and with the back side facing towards Turkey?

MOLON LAVE!
Come to take them!

I TAN I EPI TAS!
either return as a winner or dead laying on your shield!

[brother]

Kifeas said:

MOLON LAVE!
I TAN I EPI TAS!



Brother asks:

What does that mean? if you feel the need to quote greek phrases etc. please be kind enough to translate so persons like me can read it too...thanks

[cannedmoose]

I TAN I EPI TAS!

Thought you were from Lapithos Kifeas, not Sparta...

[brother]

Kifeas said:

MOLON LAVE!
I TAN I EPI TAS!



Brother asks:

What does that mean? if you feel the need to quote greek phrases etc. please be kind enough to translate so persons like me can read it too...thanks

[Kifeas]

«... εν δε τω μεταξύ Λάπαθος τέ έστι πόλις ύφορμον έχουσα και νεώρια, Λακώνων κτίσμα και πραξάνδρου ...»

“…. en de to metaksi Lapathos te esti polis iformon exousa kai neoria, Lakonon ktisma kai Praxandrou,..”

“…..In the interval is the city Lapathos with a mooring-place and dockyards; it was founded by Laconians and Praxander,…”

Strabo (63 BC,) Geography: book 14.6.1


Praxander = Praxandros = ancient Trojan hero originating from Laconian Sparta. Founder and first King of Lapithos

Lapathos = ancient name for Lapithos
Laconians = Spartans



http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0004%3Aid%3Dstrabo

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0198:book=14:chapter=6:section=1

[cannedmoose]

Bro. he's got the translations underneath... must be too much '31, playing havoc with your eyesight

[pantelis]

There is no "money" in Turkey's account.
Britain wants Turkey to "sign the check", but also wants the "check" not to be "cashed". Another "bad check" from Ankara!
Does the EU give out “stuff” for nothing, or someone else is going to pay?
Cyprus, again?
Is it not time for the British turkeys to pack up their bases and move on, from Cyprus, Moose?

[brother]

Sorry moosey but he edited and added that after, so my 31 still not yet effecting my health(yeh right)

Thanks kifeas.

[cannedmoose]

«... εν δε τω μεταξύ Λάπαθος τέ έστι πόλις ύφορμον έχουσα και νεώρια, Λακώνων κτίσμα και πραξάνδρου ...»

I'm impressed Kifeas... have a gold star for effort