Cyprus-Forum.com

[Sotos]

By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Thursday, December 08, 2005
zaman.com


Ankara termed the Cyprus declaration prepared by the European Commission as “making matters worse while trying to do a good thing.”

The declaration draft, reflected in the press with ambiguous expressions, suggests Maras (Varosha) to be opened for settlement in exchange for the Gazi Magosa (Famagusta) Port opening to trade, protection of property rights and development of the Green Line regulations. The declaration includes the elements of the Annan Plan rejected by the Greek Cypriots. Maras and the issues of property must be a part of the solution process Ankara said to the commission and reported not to accept the declaration.

The financial support regulations will be handled at the European Union Permanent Representatives Committee convening on Thursday.

The Commission might present the declaration to the Committee only as an “informatory;” however, the fate of the declaration is still unclear.

There is also the possibility that the declaration rejected by both Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus may not be published.

Diplomatic sources think the Commission started to prepare the declaration with the aim of “saving” the financial support regulations but that “it made matters worse while trying to do a good thing.”

References in the declaration to these topics disturbed both Turkey and UK. The draft says the efforts for the unification of the island by economic integration must be exerted in the frame of 26 April 2004 Council decisions.

According to the draft, the Commission thinks development of the Green Line by-law and of a common understanding about the status of Gazi Magosa and Maras is necessary.