Papadopoulos against Annan “Filling in the Gaps”

Meeting with European Union (EU) Commission President Romano Prodi yesterday, Papadopoulos conceded that while Annan had previously stated his plan gives him the authority to fill in the gaps, Annan had not approved of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s suggestion to fill the gaps. Papadopoulos pointed out during a press conference with Prodi that so much time has been lost simply talking about finding a solution in Cyprus and that now was the time for action. Papadopoulos requested the immediate start of negotiations. The Cypriot-Greek Leader emphasized a couple of times that the Greek side is ready to start negotiations and said even if no solution is reached, they will not give up and on the contrary they will redouble their efforts.

Prodi added that a conference would be organized to overcome the problems with implementing any solution that is reached. Prodi also underlined the fact that a role of ‘mediator’ is not envisaged for the E.U.

Meanwhile, Annan said during a press conference in Brussels the other day that the Cypriot-Turkish side needs to meet with Athens before the start of the negotiations. “I have to meet with two sides. Then, it will be easier to determine when and from where we should start,” added Annan.

A claim that the negotiations would start on February 9 in Geneva, Switzerland had been leaked through a phone conversation between Annan and the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Annan confirmed the conversation, but refused to give any further details. Annan had met Erdogan last Saturday in Davos, Switzerland and met Papadopoulos the other day in Brussels.