Cypriot Greeks Prepare to Veto EU Aid to TRNC

The islander Greeks continue to oppose the package that would open direct trading channels between the EU and Cypriot Turks in the North. They Cypriot Greeks will reportedly veto the package if the revisions that they have demanded are not made.

While the direct trading portion of the package only requires a majority for approval, the financial aid must be unanimously approved. Diplomatic sources say that if the EU insists on direct trading with TRNC, the Greek side will take the issue to the International Court of Justice.

Cypriot Greeks want the package to be postponed until the beginning of 2005 and meanwhile to arrange trading relations in accordance with the Green Line bylaw. Such a measure would require the postponement of the direct trading package and force TRNC to send its exports via South Cyprus.

Meanwhile, EU Term President and Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot issued a statement on Monday, which pointed out that the package would not likely be approved in July. Bot emphasized that the package needs to be discussed more and therefore the voting will likely be delayed until September.

Ankara had demanded that the package be put in practice before the EU summit that was held on June 17-18.