Greeks Play Defense

After having led the Cypriot-Greeks to overwhelmingly reject the Annan plan, the Greek administration prepares to ward off the imminent pressures of the U.S. and European Union (EU). Various evaluations of the Greek side’s actions agree that any pressure that might be forthcoming form the E.U. would put the Greek administration into a precarious position.

A majority of Greek newspapers drew attention to the fallout, especially in Brussels. The papers indicated that the Greek administration leader, Tasos Papadopoulos, might find himself laden with difficulties very soon.

France said that it is sorry for the results of the referenda in Cyprus. One of the prominent newspapers of France, La Derniere Heure, wrote in its Sunday edition, "The Green-Line has turned into a northern border of the E.U."

French Foreign Minister Spokesman Herve Ladsous announced that France hopes the E.U. commission will develop concrete plans for the economic development of the Cypriot-Turks. Ladsous also expressed that the E.U. should consider closer ties with North Cyprus.

Belgium Foreign Minister Louis Michel remarked that the Greek`s refusal of the plan was "a serious misfortune."

The Greek side’s analysis of impending problems can be ascertained by the following headlines: ‘Future of the Solution in the Island’, ‘Relations with E.U.’, ‘Relations with Greece’, ‘Clash in Relations with U.S.’, ‘Being a Border of the Green-Line’, ‘U.N. Peace Force’, ‘Future of Relations with Cypriot Greek Communist AKEL Party’ as well as ‘Relations between Cypriot-Turks and Economic Problems’.