Solution Process in Cyprus Officially Initiated

The E.U. sent unanimously accepted adaptation laws to the European Council (EC). If the E.U. General Affairs and Foreign Relations Council approve the adaptation law on April 26 unanimously, the Participation Agreement signed with the Greek Side will be implemented in United Cyprus. Meanwhile, it is observed that the inclination to say ‘yes’ on the Greek side is strengthening.

If both Turkish and Greek sides say ‘yes’ in the referendum to be held on April 24, E.U. Commissioner for Enlargement, Günther Verheugen, announced the process that will be followed in order to adapt the agreement to E.U.’s jurisprudence. While only talking about the adaptation law, Verheugen did not mention the issue of member countries’ making it a primary law by passing in the parliament. The Turkish side notes that the adaptation law will be a basic law by a parliamentary approval after the E.C. decision.

In a press conference yesterday, Verheugen was asked what would happened if the Greeks were to say ‘no’ and the Turks were to say ‘yes’ to the plan. Verheugen said the Greek-Cypriots would join the Union. Noting that in that case the Annan Plan would be considered a total failure, Verheugen avoided delivering messages for the Greeks. Stating they did not want to apply pressure on the Greeks, the Commissioner acknowledged that it was a democratic process and the results would be respected.