U.S. Promises to Pressure Greeks

March 4, 2004 admin-dominor

Now it seems that the U.S. may entertain Turkey’s request.

The First Foreign Ministry Chief Advisor, Ambassador Ahmet Davutoglu, voiced his concern that the Greeks are acting in a comfortable manner because in their minds they know that they will be ‘entering the European Union (EU) on May 1’. Davutoglu said: ‘Since this is the case, it is getting harder to take further steps. The Greek side should be warned about it. The fewer problems that remain for the negotiation phase in which Turkey and Greece will partake, the shorter the solution process will be and the higher the chance of a positive outcome of any referenda."

Davutoglu added that for 18 years, no visit from Turkey to Greece has been performed and that Erdogan would go to Greece soon. It is thought that this would make a positive contribution to Cyprus negotiations.

Weston on the other side said that the U.S. is aware of Turkey’s good intentions and gave the assurance that they will try their best.

After meeting Gul, Weston made a statement that during his meetings on the Island, in Athens and in Ankara, he got the impression that a solution could be reached and that he will return home with high hopes. The ‘sine quo nons’ as well as the bi-zonality and equality policies of Turkey were conveyed to Weston during the meeting, and he reiterated the U.S. support.

If no resolution is reached by March 21st, Turkey, Greece, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Cypriot-Greek side will sit around the table under the auspices of the United Nations. Ankara wants the five-party meeting to be handled at a level where political responsibility could be carried. Forming a government quickly after the Greek elections is important in terms of finding a solution on the Island by May 1.

Also during the meeting, Ankara conveyed the message, ‘If the Greeks do not reconcile let the embargo be lifted,’ to Weston. Ankara wants the negotiations in which the guarantor states will participate in to be conducted at least at the prime ministry or foreign ministry level.