Cyprus Problem Deepens, Greek Side Officially EU Member

The article of the London and Zurich treaties that reads, "The Republic of Cyprus cannot be a member of international organizations," will lose its meaning with the signature of the Greek Cypriots.

The existing situation will not lead to a settlement of the Cyprus problem. From now on, Turkey will have to discuss the problem, which it had intended to remove from the international arena from the beginning, with members of the EU countries. Turkey will be faced with accusations of "occupier" of lands that are part of the EU, which it had made great efforts to become a part of. There doesn’t appear to be a ray of hope for a solution until December 2004. Ankara’s inclination to "lend support to solution efforts" will continue; however, a real solution is not expected to be achieved unless negotiations start between Turkey and the EU.

Experts predict that Turkey will use a "delay for a solution" tactic from this date onwards. Turkey asserts that the start of membership negotiations with the EU will facilitate a solution on the island. This has reportedly been used as a trump card by Turkey behind closed doors. Ankara will not pursue a strong position on Cyprus until December 2004; to the contrary, it will adopt an attitude of waiting for developing events to unfold.

The U.N. Security Council described a plan put forward by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which was not accepted by Turkey, as a compromise that would have constituted the basis of negotiations by a decision to be taken last month in The Hague. The statement, "An intransigent attitude on the part of Turkey at the conclusion of the failed negotiations" played a part in the outcome.

Salih Boztas / Ankara / TURKEY