Cyprus-Forum.com

[brother]

EU hints at compromise package on trade
By Simon Bahceli


FOLLOWING a day of high-level contacts on both sides of the Green Line, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn and Luxemburg Foreign Minister Nicolas Schmit yesterday said they were confident a compromise could be found that would enable the EU to stick to its commitments made almost a year ago to lift the Turkish Cypriot north out of economic isolation.

Speaking at a news conference at the Ledra Palace Hotel in the UN-controlled buffer zone, Schmit, who represents the Luxemburg presidency of the EU, said, “We cannot just leave these commitments which were taken by the Council of the EU to support financially the Turkish Cypriot community in terms of financial aid, and also in terms of breaking the economic isolation of this part of the country.”

Rehn backed Schmit’s words by saying, “We consider our original proposal still the best option. At the same time, facing the reality that it has not been adopted in the Council we support the Luxemburg presidency to seek such a compromise that could be carried and adapted in the Council to become reality on the island”.

Both leaders spoke of their disappointment that the EU had so far been able to do little in support of the Turkish Cypriot economy, but expressed belief that a compromise on the aid and trade packages could be found.

The EU Commission was behind implementation of the dual package it put forward in June last year. However, the Cyprus government has since been effective in blocking its implementation at the European Council by arguing that the Turkish Cypriot could function well enough by trading through Greek Cypriot-controlled ports in the south.

Although both leaders remained cagey about what a compromise deal would entail, they hinted that the EU was working on a package that could make direct trade a possibility in the future.

“We are currently reflecting on the complete details of a possible proposal, and the Luxemburg presidency is doing a marvellous job in this regard. I don’t want jump the gun [by divulging its contents],” Rehn said.

Rehn was also unwilling to comment openly on whether a compromise trade agreement might include the handing back to the Greek Cypriot side the closed city of Varosha, near Famagusta.

“It is well known that the Famagusta issue is one element. But I prefer the political leaders respond themselves to this question.”

It seemed yesterday Rehn and Schmit had received positive reaction from leaders on both sides, particularly from Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot house president Dimitris Christofias.

Rehn said the meeting with Talat had been “rather constructive”.

Of Chistofias, Schmit said: “We noted a very strong will to come to an overall political settlement and solution but also strong support for the EU to contribute to this concrete and overall settlement, meaning financial support to the Turkish Cypriot community and the breaking of their economic isolation.”

Views were also expressed on a recent spate of arrest warrants issued against those, Turkish Cypriot and foreign, living in Greek Cypriot properties in the north, with Rehn saying, “I believe there will be a revised, developed plan. Of course the issue of property rights will have to be at the core of it. At the same time, the current situation is increasing tension on the island and I would find it very difficult to support the use of civil and criminal law on an issue which is predominantly a political matter.”

In what will come as music to the ears of Turkish Cypriot leaders, he added, “We have to think of some kind of global package”.

There was also veiled criticism of political leaders in Cyprus, who despite just over a year’s membership to the EU, still failed to express what Schmit described as the “European spirit of compromise”.

“In the EU, whose founding principles are peace, stability, democracy and human rights, such a reality is a very uncomfortable reality. The status quo is not longer sustainable,” Rehn added.

[brother]

Views were also expressed on a recent spate of arrest warrants issued against those, Turkish Cypriot and foreign, living in Greek Cypriot properties in the north, with Rehn saying, “I believe there will be a revised, developed plan. Of course the issue of property rights will have to be at the core of it. At the same time, the current situation is increasing tension on the island and I would find it very difficult to support the use of civil and criminal law on an issue which is predominantly a political matter.”

I found this bit very interesting and wonder how the gc admin will react to this comment on behalf of the E.U.

[Anglo]

Like this...

[Anglo]

I heard that the direct flights will begin through Ercan but that the airport will be under EU control - neatly sidestepping the recognition problem for the RoC.

The same will apply to Famagusta.

[brother]

Its all about time, i reckon they waited this long to see what the gc admin would do/see if they had goodwill and resolve it themselves and knew this alternative existed time ago.

[Anglo]

I think you are right. See if the kids can sort out their squabble between them first and if not Mummy has to step in.

[gabaston]

Anglo

liked the response lol

2nd
Eu Ercan...........makes sense...............
mind if i ask where u heard it?

[Anglo]

Would like to say but may be accussed of being indiscreet

[gabaston]

Frendz in low places ............huh?

[Kifeas]

I heard that the direct flights will begin through Ercan but that the airport will be under EU control - neatly sidestepping the recognition problem for the RoC.

The same will apply to Famagusta.

Anglo! Learn the rules and the laws! Do not just throw empty slogans all the time. Nothing, absolutely NOTHING can be done with RoC consent. I know it is very sad for you, but it’s the reality!