Greeks Oppose E.U. Cyprus Package

Greek Cypriots told the Commission officials that even though they accept in principle the right of free passage of E.U. citizens to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and back, they would retain the right to impose a fine on those who enter form the ‘North’ in case circumstances change. Observers say that Greek Cypriots are worried that an increasing number of E.U. citizens might go to TRNC and as a result negatively impact Greek tourism income; thus, the Greek Cypriots insist on keeping the right to impose a fine on people entering from TRNC.

On the other hand, the E.C. insisted that consultations are required before such a measure could be imposed. E.U. Enlargement Spokesman Jean-Christophe Filori told Zaman, "Greeks do not intend to impose a penalty on E.U. citizens coming from TRNC."

In the meeting, E.C. officials reportedly brought to the agenda the status of the two seats reserved for TRNC at the European Parliament (E.P.). The officials requested a guarantee from the Greeks that two of the six seats would be filled by Turks in the E.P.

The opening of an official E.U. office in TRNC was also on the agenda; however, Greek Cypriots fiercely objected to such a motion. The E.U. brushed aside the objections and said that their TRNC correspondence office already in use would be reinforced; however, it does not mean that the E.U. has given diplomatic recognition to TRNC.

Greek Cypriots also demanded that the 259 million Euro E.U. aid package to TRNC not to be submitted through official E.U. channels, but rather through the United Nations.

On the other side, Greek officials who spoke to Zaman claimed that they would not object to the E.U. arrangements if they did not give rise to TRNC’s recognition.