Possible E.U. Surprise For Early Negotiation Start

February 17, 2004 admin-dominor

The behind-the-scenes activity at the Cyprus talks in New York is gradually coming to light. Reportedly, U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, was the one who applied the most pressure to the Greek side as a facilitator during the talks.

At the demand of Powell, German, British and French ministers took action and gave an ultimatum to the Greek side for a better attitude.

Speaking to Zaman, E.U. sources stated that in the event a solution is reached on the Cyprus issue, Turkey could be given a positive signal at an E.U. meeting to be held in June indicating that the greatest obstacle was removed from the road to Turkey’s accession to the Union.

Confirming a NTV report yesterday, the sources in Brussels revealed to Zaman that these European ministers pushed the Greek side to agree. And they agreed that a decision on a date for Turkey to start E.U. membership discussions will be made independently from the outcome of the Cyprus negotiations.

The written agreement was prepared on and was given to the Greek side first and then, with pressure from Greek Foreign Minister Georges Papandreu, the Greek-Cypriot side agreed to reach reconciliation.

Zaman’s sources said that Powell will be very clear-cut. He has said things that would not leave any space for discussions.

In case of a solution to the Island problem before May 1, Ankara will be sent a strong message before the start of its E.U. membership discussions on June 17 and 18 in Brussels. Reportedly, the E.U. praises Turkey for its efforts to attain a solution to the Cyprus issue, and a consensus has been reached to send a positive signal to Turkey.

According to diplomatic sources, in an intermediate summit to be held on March 25-26 in Brussels, some incentives would be given to Turkey; however, considering that the negotiations are in progress more prudent language would be used as well.

Zaman’s sources say that it is too early to predict the what language will be used in the June summit if a solution is reached before May 1, and they revealed that the final decision will only be made at a 2004 December summit.