Cyprus-Forum.com

[paliometoxo]

If Turkey fails to show practical support for a revived reunification process then Cyprus may scupper Ankara's EU bid.

Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou sent a stern warning to Turkey yesterday suggesting Cyprus would block its EU path if Ankara did not contribute to finding an amicable settlement to end 34 years of division.

He said it was no longer enough for Turkey to stand on the sidelines and offer its lukewarm support to the new process without making a real contribution to a workable solution.

"Our goodwill to keep Turkey's EU path open is not without limit," said Kyprianou yesterday.

"If we see that Turkey is not being positive or constructive in its stance at a time when a new phase in finding a Cyprus solution has begun then we should reconsider our general policy towards Turkey's EU accession," he added.

Nicosia officially supports Ankara's EU bid on condition that it fulfils its obligations towards Cyprus such as opening its sea and airports to Cypriot traffic.

Blind eye

It has so far failed to do so, saying this will only come under a comprehensive solution. Moreover, Turkey is loath to honour the EU customs agreement by extending it to fellow member state Cyprus because it does not recognise the Republic.

Pressure from Brussels on this issue has not yielded results but Nicosia is determined to no longer turn a blind eye to Ankara's flagrant breach of the rules if it continues to block real progress on the Cyprus issue.

Kyprianou made clear that Turkey's EU membership would be impossible without the island's consent, not to mention Nicosia's right to veto.

He also suggested that Brussels should take a firmer hand with Turkey when it involves its obligations towards the island.

"Above all, let's not forget that Turkey's European prospects depend on Cyprus's consent. Because from time to time this is forgotten especially by our European partners."

"From 2004 Cyprus has continually accepted Turkey's accession course but we've seen absolutely no goodwill gesture from the Turkish side either towards the Cyprus Republic or its EU obligations towards Cyprus."

The minister said now was the time for Ankara to turn words into deeds at this crucial juncture of the Cyprus issue as good relations demanded reciprocity.

President Christofias has also conceded that whatever is agreed at the negotiation table with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat the results are meaningless unless endorsed by Turkey.

Elusive

The international community has remobilised support for a new settlement process after disengaging from the arena after the Annan Plan was defeated four years ago.

Optimism for a long elusive deal has resurfaced since Christofias and Talat committed to intensive face-to-face talks that officially kick-off on September 3.

The aim of fully-fledged negotiations is to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem, which will safeguard the fundamental and legitimate rights and interests of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

The agreed solution will be put to separate and simultaneous referenda

[utu]

Paliometoxo, after reading the various threads on this forum, skepticism that the upcoming negotiations between Kristofas and Talat will yield anything positive is rampant. Also, with Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkazia, plus the rapid decline in sentiment within Turkey to join the EU, Kyprianou's ultimatum is probably not going to get a lot of attention. And if Cyprus did torpedo Turkey's bid, than that will probably fully cement the partition. Perhaps a higher degree of optimism in the upcoming negotiations would be warranted...

[Oracle]

Paliometoxo, after reading the various threads on this forum, skepticism that the upcoming negotiations between Kristofas and Talat will yield anything positive is rampant. Also, with Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkazia, plus the rapid decline in sentiment within Turkey to join the EU, Kyprianou's ultimatum is probably not going to get a lot of attention. And if Cyprus did torpedo Turkey's bid, than that will probably fully cement the partition. Perhaps a higher degree of optimism in the upcoming negotiations would be warranted...

There is no decline in Turkey's interest to join the EU .. maybe some face-saving gesticulations as the realisation of the boot draws nearer, and that Kemal's dream for Turks as Europeans may never be .....

BTW ... Do you know who will be heading the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe for 2009 ......

[denizaksulu]

Paliometoxo, after reading the various threads on this forum, skepticism that the upcoming negotiations between Kristofas and Talat will yield anything positive is rampant. Also, with Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkazia, plus the rapid decline in sentiment within Turkey to join the EU, Kyprianou's ultimatum is probably not going to get a lot of attention. And if Cyprus did torpedo Turkey's bid, than that will probably fully cement the partition. Perhaps a higher degree of optimism in the upcoming negotiations would be warranted...

There is no decline in Turkey's interest to join the EU .. maybe some face-saving gesticulations as the realisation of the boot draws nearer, and that Kemal's dream for Turks as Europeans may never be .....

BTW ... Do you know who will be heading the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe for 2009 ......

Please dont tell me its TPapa. I suppose you know already.

[Agios Ionas]

Dora Bakoyannis?

[Raymanoff]

Arch. Chrisostomos?

[Oracle]

Dora Bakoyannis?

Yes!

[paliometoxo]

turkey hasent a chance in joining eu anyway because germany and france also as well as other countries dont want to see turkey join..

ur right though tukrye wont care they will ignore it as they do everything else and demand more