Athens to Recall US Weapons from Southern Cyprus

Greek Cypriot newspaper Mahi reports that the decision will be carried out in the next few months. The newspaper indicates that the US pressure became unbearable, and adds that officials hint the Americans will punish Greek Cypriots for saying "no" in the April 24 referendum.

Meanwhile, Greek Cypriot leader Tasos Papadopulous defended that in order for the Greeks to maintain a positive attitude regarding Turkey’s accession to European Union (EU), Turkey should change its attitude as well.

While in Belgium, Papadopulous pointed out that they would give support for the discussion date on the condition that Turkey completely fulfilled the Copenhagen Criteria and changed its attitude on the subject of the Republic of Cyprus.

On the other side, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan reportedly requested a one-third reduction in the number of UN peacekeepers on the island.