FINANCIAL
TIMES (27.04.04)
PICKING
UP PIECES
It
certainly looks like a fiasco. After the Greek Cypriots overwhelmingly
voted down the United Nations plan for reunification with Turkish
Cypriots in last Saturday's referendum, the prospect for a settlement
appears more distant, and the island's partition more definitive, than
ever.
It
is the Greek Cypriots who, arguably, stood to gain most from a deal that
would give them back some of the land they lost and allow some of their
refugees to return. Conversely, it was the Turkish Cypriots who voted
decisively on Saturday in favour of the UN plan.
Determined
to show their irritation with the Greek Cypriots by being nice to the
Turkish Cypriots, EU foreign ministers yesterday pledged aid, trade and
transport links for northern Cyprus. And they can now argue this can be
done without ever formally recognising Turkish Cypriots' state.
Notionally,
Turkish Cyprus becomes part of the EU on Saturday, because the Greek
Cypriot government of Cyprus formally negotiated EU entry for the whole
island. Equally, however, it can be argued that, by virtue of their vote
last Saturday, the Greek Cypriots lost the right to speak for Turkish
Cypriots generally accorded to them by international law over the past
30 years. For both these reasons, there should be no objection to the
European Commission's setting up a trade and aid office in northern
Cyprus, as it would probably have had to do even in the case of a
settlement.
FINANCIAL
TIMES (27.04.04)
EU
TO DECIDE ON REWARD FOR TURKISH CYPRIOTS (By Judy Dempsey and Guy
Dinmore)
European
Union ambassadors will meet on Wednesday in Brussels to decide
how they can reward the Turkish Cypriots for supporting the United
Nations plan to reunite the island.
The
decision was made after a long and heated meeting of EU foreign
ministers, who seem determined to push through measures for the Turkish
Cypriots before Cyprus joins the EU on Saturday.
The
Greek Cypriots voted overwhelmingly against the UN plan, which means
only their southern-controlled part of the island will join the EU. Once
members, the Greek Cypriots will represent the entire island - although
EU laws will apply to them only - and be able to use their veto to block
decisions.
The
Bush administration also criticised Greek Cypriot leaders on Monday for
engaging in a "lot of manipulation" in the run-up to the
referendum, while declaring the US had "nothing but praise for the
courageous Turkish Cypriots" who voted in favour.
Richard
Boucher, the State Department spokesman, said the US would review its
policy towards northern Cyprus and expected to make changes
"consistent" with future EU policy. He declined to give
details but reiterated that Washington would not leave Turkish Cypriots
"out in the cold".
żn
a direct challenge to Tassos Papadopoulos, the Greek Cypriot leader who
campaigned for a "no" vote, the council said it was
"determined to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot
community".
It
would for example, "facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by
encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot
community".
THE
WASHINGTON TIMES/ 27.04.04
FAILED
CYPRUS VOTE VICTORY FOR TURKISH SIDE (By Andrew Borowiec)
“The
isolated Turkish state in the north of Cyprus is emerging from the fog
of international neglect and ostracism after Greek Cypriot rejection of
a U.N. reunification plan.
On
Saturday, the European Union in Brussels was sending signals of thanks
and economic support for the Turkish Cypriots, 65 percent of whom
approved the proposed confederation.
More
than three-quarters of Greek Cypriots voted against the plan, but by
rejecting it have given a new lease on life to the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
EU
foreign ministers meeting In Luxembourg announced plans yesterday for
economic cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots, bringing an end to
decades of isolation.
Greek
Cypriot voters appear to have believed that if they rejected the U.N.
plan, the international community would come back with a more favorable
proposal. Instead, the European Union said it would act
"immediately" to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots by
promoting TRNC development.
So
far the European Union, which is to admit Cyprus as a new member on
Saturday along with several Eastern European countries, has not
discussed diplomatic recognition for the state of 200,000 inhabitants.
The
Luxembourg decision will likely mean a lifting of an international
embargo on trade and other economic contacts with the TRNC, which would
include direct airline flights to the two airports built by the Turkish
Cypriots.”
INTERNATIONAL
HERALD TRIBUNE (27.04.04)
A DIVISIVE VOTE
ON A DIVIDED CYPRUS
The
overwhelming vote by Greek Cypriots on Saturday to reject the UN
reunification plan for Cyprus is a tragedy, but hardly a surprise. The
Greek Cypriots on the divided island had made no secret of its distaste
for the plan crafted by Secretary General Kofi Annan. The hard fact is
that the Greeks knew they would be joining the EU on May 1 as
"Cyprus," with or without the Turkish north. The only way to
restore any chance of reunifying the island is for the EU and the United
States to get tough - to lift the economic sanctions on the Turkish
north, and to limit aid to the Greek south.
Among Turkish Cypriots, who have endured international isolation for 30
years, 65 percent voted in favor. Among Greek Cypriots, 75 percent voted
against.
THE
WASHINGTON TIMES (25.04.04)
“GREEK
CYPRIOTS DASH CONFEDERATION PLAN” ( By Andrew Borowiec)
“In
a major blow to international hopes, Greek Cypriots yesterday in a
referendum massively rejected a U.N. plan to unite the island torn by
more than three decades of ethnic division.
In
a separate referendum that widened the rift that has plagued Cyprus
virtually since the end of British colonial rule in 1960, Turkish
Cypriots accepted the blueprint for a confederation of two "constituent
states" on the strategic Mediterranean island.
European
Union officials did not hide their disappointment at a result that
greatly complicates the enlargement process next month. "The
political damage is large," EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter
Verheugen said. "There's now a shadow over Cyprus' membership."
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said
the United States was also "disappointed" at the Greek-Cypriot
vote.
The
Greek-Cypriot vote is certain to tarnish the community's entry into the
European Union and damage relations with the international community.”
THE
CHICAGO TRIBUNE (25.04.04)
“PROPOSAL
REQUIRED APPROVAL ON BOTH SIDES OF ISLAND” (By
Tom Hundley)
“The
latest effort to reunify this divided island became a historical
footnote Saturday as Greek Cypriot voters turned down a UN plan proposed
by Secretary General Kofi Annan.
The
plan required the approval of both sides to go forward.
For
the international community, the outcome is a political and diplomatic
dog's breakfast. It means that a divided Cyprus, represented by the
Greek Cypriot government, will become a full member of the expanded
European Union this week, while the Turkish Cypriots are left behind.
EU
officials are seething. They agreed to take in Cyprus with the
understanding that the Greek Cypriot government would do all it could to
reunify the island and then watched in horror as the Greek Cypriot
leader Tassos Papadopoulos launched a vigorous campaign for a
"no" vote.
The
Greek Cypriot government undoubtedly will receive a chilly reception
from the EU next week, but Cyprus is now in a position--at least in
theory--to thwart Turkey's ambitions of joining the union. It would,
however, face total diplomatic ostracism if it were seen to be the sole
country blocking the Turks.
EU
officials have promised that the Turkish Cypriots' "yes" vote
would not go unrewarded, and it is expected that some economic sanctions
will soon be lifted and that EU financial assistance may start flowing
to the Turkish side of the island.
DER
TAGESSPIEGEL (25.4.2004)
“TEST
FAILED” (By Susanne Güsten)
Despite
“yes” vote of the Turks, reunification plan prepared by the UN for
Cypriots failed as a result of “no” vote of the Greeks. Nothing will
be same in Cyprus after the referendum. Although official recognition of
the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” is still not possible, a
new state is actually emerging at the international arena after
conclusions of referendums at different ways.
DER
TAGESSPIEGEL AM SONNTAG (25.4.2004)
“UNIFICATION
OF CYPRUS FAILED DUE TO NARROW-MINDEDNESS OF THE POLITICAL LEADERS IN
SOUTH AND FEARS OF MOST GREEKS”
Greeks
and their politicians will pay a high price for their “no” vote.
Nobody will no longer listen Greeks when they complain for “Turkish
occupation” or “partition” of the island. Sympathy is moving
towards the Turks. In this case, the EU should end political and
economic isolation quickly. Turkish Cypriots should not stay hostage to
“no” of the Greek.
FOCUS
MAGAZINE (25.4.2004)
“DISAPPOINTMENT
AT THE WHOLE WORLD”
EU
and USA stated their sadness about the failure of the unification of
Cyprus. At his statement to German 1st TV, the EU
Commissioner in charge of Enlargement Gunter Verheugen said “Political
Damage is Great”.
GERMAN
NEWS AGENCY (25.4.2004)
“GREEKS
ARE STUBBORN PEOPLE”
German
News Agency stated that Greeks are stubborn people and generally
conservative. They have worried for paying more taxes in case of
unification of Cyprus.
BERLINER
MORGENPOST (25.4.2004)
“CYPRUS
REMAINS DIVIDED”
At
a news given under the title of “Cyprus Remains Divided”, Berliner
Morgenpost daily noted that “Turkey asked for lifting of embargo that
has been imposed on the TRNC after the rejection of the UN plan by the
Greeks”.
WELT
AM SONNTAG (25.4.2004)
“REUNIFICATION
OF CYPRUS FAILED”
At
a news given under the title of “Reunification of Cyprus Failed”,
Welt am Sonntag reminded that “While 75 percent of the Greeks
said “no” to unification, 60 percent of the Turkish Cypriots said
“yes””.
LA
STAMPA (25.04.04)
“NO”
FROM THE GREEKS...THE CYPRUS WALL STILL STANDING....A REAL SLAP FOR EU
AND ANNAN.. ONLY HALF OF THE ISLAND IN THE EU” (By Aldo Rizzo)
The
majority of the Greek Cypriots rejected
unfortunately the “UN Plan regarding the reunion of Cyprus” as
expected. And the 65 percent of Turkish Cypriots said “yes” to the
Annan Plan. The “No” of the Greek Cypriots is valid and because of
this, the north part of Cyprus will not have an
access to the EU on 1st of May. Non of the pressure put,
succedded in persuading Tasos Papadopulos. The target was to prevent
only one part of the island from entering the EU. When you look at it
impartially the Annan plan is more in
the Greek Cypriots favour with the land concessions, reduction in
the number of military
force of the Ankara and the opportunity for the majority of the
displaced Greek Cypriots to
return to their homes after 30 years. The EU enlargement commisioner
Verheugen evaluated the stance of the Greek Cypriots as “astonishing
and worrying”. According to Financial Times England may veto the
definition of “Green line ‘as right ascension’” demanded by
Papadopulos. The North Republic
may acquire a number of recognitions
that can’t be imagined until now. Whatever happens the Greek Cypriots
will enter the EU with disapprovals bowing down their neck. While the
Ankara government should suffer for its EU membership, a number of
clouds appeared on the conservative government of the Athens.
TIMES
(25.04.04)
“EU
WAS DISAPPOINTED”
English
press criticised the Greek Cypriots to reject the Annan Plan regarding
the referanda made yesterday on both sides. It is stated in the news
that the Greek Cypriots have overshadowed the EU enlargement ceremonies
that will take place on saturday and the proportion of the “No”
votes wil cause the bigger problems that will be generated by accepting the divided
island to membership. The Press reported that there were a lot of
English houses on the North Part and the Greek Cypriots has threatened
those people by saying “we’ll
displace you from your houses”. According to the news, approximately
50 greek cypriots have come to their old village Karmi last week and
treated harshly to the English people living there.
THE
OBSERVER (25.04.04)
“GREEKS
VOTE DOWN CYPRUS UNITY PLAN”
“An
historic attempt to reunify Cyprus torpedoed last night when the
island's majority Greek Cypriot population overwhelmingly rejected a
United Nations peace plan.
Diplomats
said the scale of the rejection left little room for a second referendum,
confirming their worst fears - that Cyprus would enter the EU on 1 May
as a partitioned nation. The EU's eastern borders will now end in the
infamous 'dead zone.'
The
EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen announced he would
immediately look at ways of easing the embargoes.
The
prospect of the EU's borders ending at a heavily- fortified frontier
will cast a shadow over forthcoming celebrations to mark its eastward
expansion.
REUTER
(25.04.04)
“WORLD
IS POINTING OUT THAT “NO” ANSWER IS STINING GREEK CYPRIOTS” (Brian
Williams)
World
leaders are pointing out that the “No” answer is staining the EU
membership of Greek Cypriots while giving out signals that
the “Yes” votes from the Turkish Cypriots, will alleviate the
isolation of the North Cyprus.Verheugen said that the results of the
referanda has caused disorders in the relationship with Turkey
unnecessairly. The USA stating that it will protect Turkish Cypriots on
accepting the Plan, has expressed its disappointment from the “No”
answer of the Greek Cypriots.A praise has been dedicated to the Turkish
Cypriots by their “Yes” answer from European Commission and it’s
reported that ways would be sougt to support the economic development of
the poor North Part.
NEW
CHINA NEWS AGENT (25.04.04)
“TURKISH
SIDE HAS MADE POINT POLITICALLY”
The
New China News Agent(Shinua) expressed his opinion that the Turkish
Cypriots have made point politically at the referanda even if they
failed to enter the EU in the comment published regarding the referanda
results.In the comment, it is expected that the USA and EU
will pay a more
flexible attitude to the North Part and there is a strong possibility
that the sanctions will be lifted gradually.
CHINA
INTERNATIONAL RADIO (25.04.04)
“THE
HISTORICAL OPPORTUNITY FOR UNIFICATION WAS MISSED IN CYPRUS”
At
a comment broadcasted from the China International Radio regarding the
referanda took place in Cyprus, it was stated that “a historical
opportunity was missed” in island for reunion. It reminded that the
Greek administration leader Papadopulos has first supported the Annan
Plan then called out for a “no”, and it evaluated this attitude as
“trickery”.It was expressed that this will create ambivalance and
difficulties in the relationships between EU and Greek Administration.
JOURNAL
DU DIMANCHE (25.04.04)
“EU
IS PLANNING 260 MILLION EURO WORTH OF AID TO TRNC”
“CYPRUS
IS CACTUS FOR EUROPE”
The
daily stated that, EU Commission will take new initiatives for the
improvement of the development of Turkish Cypriot economy and the first
step towards this aim will be providing financial aid worth of 260
million euro to TRNC.
The
Cyprus related research named as “Cyprus: a cactus for Europe” that
took place within the newspaper advocated the idea of “Greek Cypriot
membership will pose a serious problem for the EU”.
AFP
(25.04.04)
“EU
THAT FELL INTO A TRAP BY THE GREEK CYPRIOTS WANT TO GIVE SUPPORT TO THE
NORTH” (Elahe Merel)
15
members of the EU that fell into a trap by the Greek Cypriots responding
‘no’ vote for the reunification of the island will undertake
responsibilities to solve political and legal dilemma came out with the
membership of the south part of Cyprus to the EU. In the first hand, EU
members are planning to support Turkish Cypriots for breaking their
isolation from the world.
According
to one diplomatic source, the main concern for the EU now is to solve
the border issue revealed as a result of the south Cyprus integration to
the Union. The Green line dividing the south from the TRNC will be
external border of the EU and this will open a road for
“recognition of the TRNC”.
Jean–Christophe
Filori, spokesman of the Günter Verheugen the EU enlargement
commissioner said “It is early to talk about the details but the
proposals for the Turkish Cypriots includes trading measures and
financial assistance for facilitating economic development and breaking
economic isolation of the north.”
YOMŻURŻ
ŽŻBUN (25.04.04)
“ONLY
SOUTH CYPRUS WILL JOIN THE EU”
According
to the daily, as a result of the Greek Cypriots ‘No’ vote to the
referendum for the plan anticipated the unification of island, there
will be no unification and only south part of Cyprus will join the EU.
Referendums were important for the determination of continuation of the
division of island since 1974.
ASAHŻ
ŽŻMBUN (25.04.04)
“NO
FROM THE SOUTH TO UNIFICATION OF CYPRUS”
The
daily stated, “Continuation of the division of island became definite.
With this result only south part of Cyprus will join to the EU.” “EU
will have to take a divided island into its structure after Greek
Cypriots rejection of the plan against all the suggestion of EU and
UN.” “As a result of this development it is expected from USA, which
consider Cyprus important for security, and Turkey to make a call to
international community for the recognition of TRNC.”
MAŻNŻĒŻ
ŽŻBUN (25.04.04)
“UNIFICATION
OF CYPURS.. SOUTH IS AGAINST”
By
using “unification of Cyprus. South is against. Failure of the UN
diplomatic efforts” headlines, the daily stated that “Greek Cypriots
whose membership to the Union become definite, reacted to negotiations
with the north and the Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopulos made call
for giving ‘No’ vote in the referendum.
Tokyo
Žibun daily also used the headlines of “the solution of divisiveness is at stake. Rejection in the
south became definite” and said “with the Greek Cypriots rejection
of the plan, by the 1st of May only South Cyprus will became
the member of the EU.”
LA
DERNIERE HEURE (25.04.04)
“GREEK
CYPRIOTS HINDERED MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNITED CYPRUS TO THE EU”
The
daily said “Against all international pressure, Greek Cypriots
hindered unification of the united island to the EU by solving the 30
years question before 1st of May, EU talks about the lost
opportunity and Turkey by making an immediate rejection made call to
international community for lifting embargoes imposed on the TRNC.”
By
mentioning that “Rejection of the Annan Plan only allows Greek Cypriot
to became a member of the Union” daily said, “Green line is becoming
the south border of the EU”.
LA
LŻBRE BELGIQUE (25.04.04)
“OUTCOME
BRINGS ATHENS INTO A DEFENSIVE POSITION”
By
using the headline of “outcome brings Athens into a defensive position”
daily stated that from now on, Greece who clearly supported the Greek
Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopulos, should make efforts and diplomatic
maneuvers in order to change the negative atmosphere occurred.
LE
SOIR (25.04.04)
“GREECE
AND GREEK CYPRIOTS WILL HAVE TROUBLES”
According
to the daily, because of their negative attitudes, Greek Cypriots will
face troubles within the EU for a long time and the EU cannot more
disregard the hopeful message of Turkish Cypriots who had to live aside
form the EU as a result of the Greek Cypriots decision.
