Prodi: We Are Not Far from Cyprus Solution; Division Temporary

When asked by Zaman’s news agent if he wasn’t bothered by the fact that the unresolved problem had been imported into the EU now that Cyprus had officially become part of the organization, Prodi said: "I think and hope that the problem is temporary. We had to make this decision for Cyprus as a unified entity. I should say that it is impossible to stop history."

When asked whether or not he is optimistic about finding a solution by May 2004, at which time the membership of Cyprus will be fully realized, he said it was difficult to talk about time and history when speaking of Cyprus and that centuries were debated like years there. "I don’t think we are far from the solution. The enlargement process is becoming more symbolic. I believe that Cyprus will also be added to this process." Upon being asked whether or not Turkey’s EU membership prospects would be hindered because of the Cyprus problem, Prodi responded, "Although it is not possible to say explicitly that the Cyprus problem will prevent it, we can say that it will not help Turkey’s EU prospects."

Abdulhamit Bilici / Athens / GREECE