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[brother]

Cyprus hails EU deal as triumph
By Myria Antoniadou in Brussels


CYPRUS yesterday won an important battle in Brussels, managing to include for the first time two references in an EU document which can be used to pressure Turkey into recognising the Republic of Cyprus.

In the EU’s common position at the Association Council with Turkey, next week, the member states will refer to the need for normalisation of relations between Ankara and member states, including Cyprus, and the implementation of Turkey’s customs union agreement to apply to all 25 member states, an outcome described as “highly satisfactory” by the Cyprus government.

The agreement was sealed at the Permanent Representatives’ (COREPER) meeting yesterday, after the two major parties to the dispute, Cyprus and the UK, managed to reach a deal the previous evening.

Britain, backed by Italy, had blocked the common position in Tuesday’s Association Council.

London had strongly disagreed with the text proposed by the Luxembourg Presidency, urging Turkey to “establish bilateral relations” with all 25 member states. It felt such a reference went beyond what had been agreed at the EU level until today and touched upon the settlement of the Cyprus problem and recognition of Cyprus by Turkey.

In the end, a reference calling on Turkey to “normalise its bilateral relations” with all member states, including Cyprus, was agreed.

This is the first EU document referring to normalisation of relations between Cyprus and Turkey. Sources in Brussels said this means Nicosia will be in a position to demand the same reference in the future.

London also accepted a reference urging Turkey not only to sign but also implement the protocol extending the Ankara Agreement (customs union). However, there is no time-framework set out.

Sources said there was some rephrasing to this reference, so that it mentions implementation but does not put any pressure on Ankara before it starts negotiations scheduled for October 3.

The EU also calls upon Turkey to lift its restrictions to trade and transport, to allow Cyprus-flagged ships to dock at its ports, and also stop blocking Cyprus’ participation in international organisations.

Turkey is encouraged to continue supporting a solution in Cyprus in line with EU principles and within the framework of the UN, and is called upon to help create a positive climate that would facilitate a settlement.

Finally, the EU calls for the immediate implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights.
In Nicosia, Foreign Minister George Iacovou last night hailed the outcome.
“We have achieved a highly satisfactory draft and the importance is that today’s decision is the EU’s common position,” Iacovou said.

The minister said there were “very good references” concerning the adjustment protocol, its signature and ratification, and its swift implementation.

“This would be the first step towards normalisation of conditions with all EU member states including Cyprus,” the foreign minister said.

“Basically, this compromise is better in some points than the initial draft, which we had accepted showing good will,” he added.

Turkey is also urged to contribute towards a favourable climate for the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, a reference related to properties and Turkish settlers, Iacovou said.

“Consequently, the European position is very satisfactory for the Cyprus Republic.”
While the agreement satisfied Nicosia, it made other interested parties “reasonably happy”, one source in Brussels said, even though it was “not ideal” for those countries that do not want to put any pressure on Ankara.

It also marked the beginning of more dialogue and co-operation between Cyprus
and Britain.

In view of the British six-month presidency, starting in July, finding agreements “outside the room” and not “fighting out battles” in EU meetings is the way to proceed, a source noted.

If there had been no agreement in Brussels yesterday, it was very likely that the Association Council would have been cancelled. This in itself would not have been very important, as the two parties would just have noted their positions.

However, it would have sent political messages and “poisoned existing difficult relations between London and Nicosia,” a source said.

What remains to be seen is how Turkey will react to the decision, even though it can do nothing more than express opposition.

The Turkish government is said to have been unhappy with the text and apportioned much blame on the Luxembourg Presidency.

[Main_Source]

This isnt a triumph...just something a positive for once. A long time till there is a triumph.

[-mikkie2-]

I don't think there are celebrations in the street over this. I don't particulalry detect a sense of triumphalism.

What it does show is the inevitable consequences of Turkey continuing to ignore the basic fact that Cyprus is an EU member with a voice.

Turkey is acting as if she is already an EU member by trying to 'negotiate' the decisions the EU takes regarding her EU candidacy. It is blatantly obvious that Turkey is the one that is being judged and tested. It is Turkey wishing to joing the EU, not the EU wishing to join Turkey.

Another important result is that Cyprus is not as isolated as many people seem to think.

[Main_Source]

hmmm...with the British leadership of the EU coming up...things are going to get interesting. The last Labour government told Turkey to invade...and the words of Tony Blair and Jack Straw recently have been very pro Turkey.

[erolz]

The last Labour government told Turkey to invade...

No they did not.

[Main_Source]

Lord Callaghan blatently had no problem with Turkey invading and did nothing to stop this. They did nothing to stop the refugee situation and had no problem with Turkey invading, even though any fool could realise Turkey's invasion was not as 'peace-operators'. This to me was a green light for the invasion.

The BBC even briefly interviewed a Turkish paramilatarist and said 'welcome to Cyprus'.

[erolz]

Lord Callaghan blatently had no problem with Turkey invading and did nothing to stop this. They did nothing to stop the refugee situation and had no problem with Turkey invading, even though any fool could realise Turkey's invasion was not as 'peace-operators'. This to me was a green light for the invasion.

The BBC even briefly interviewed a Turkish paramilatarist and said 'welcome to Cyprus'.

You originaly stated Britain told Turkey to invade Cyprus. They did not. You know that and I know that, so why say it? As for the above 'correction' even this is far from accurate if you actually study the documents available from this time. The British made considerable efforts to avoid Turkish military action. They did not go as far as threatening to use British troops in Cyprus to resist and such Turkish action but this far from your assertion above that they had 'no problem with Turkey interventing in Cyprus miltarily'.

[cannedmoose]

The last Labour government told Turkey to invade...

Utter rubbish

[Viewpoint]

Cyprus should veto Turkey at every turn, shes going the right away about things, keep going Papadop your on the right track.

[Kifeas]

You originaly stated Britain told Turkey to invade Cyprus. They did not. You know that and I know that, so why say it? As for the above 'correction' even this is far from accurate if you actually study the documents available from this time. The British made considerable efforts to avoid Turkish military action. They did not go as far as threatening to use British troops in Cyprus to resist and such Turkish action but this far from your assertion above that they had 'no problem with Turkey interventing in Cyprus miltarily'.

Erol,

I agree with your assessment above.
Actually the British government had even examined the possibility to reinstate Makarios and aid the GC resistance against the coupists and the British ministry of defence presented a contingency plan for this purpose. Unfortunately, as it was revealed from last year’s publication of the foreign office secret documents, they were prevented by Dr. Kisinger.

That proves beyond doubt what and who was hidden behind the Greek Junta coup and the Turkish Invasion. No one else other than C.I.A. and Dr. Henry Kissinger.