By Jean Christou
BRITISH Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said yesterday the prospect of Cyprus joining the EU offered Britain the opportunity to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the island.
Cook was speaking in Strasbourg in an address to the European Parliament. Britain took over the EU’s six-monthly rotating presidency on January 1.
“The EU supports the UN Secretary-general in his efforts to find a political solution of Cyprus,” Cook said. “We hope the leaders of the two communities will resume UN-led negotiations after the elections.”
In Nicosia, British High Commissioner David Madden said yesterday that Britain would play a very major role in assisting UN efforts towards a Cyprus solution after the elections.
Speaking after a meeting with President Clerides, Madden said: “Our expectation is that after the elections the UN process will resume and, as in the past, Britain will play a very major role in assisting the UN and the Security Council to make progress in solving the Cyprus problem.”
Cook said Britain welcomed the willingness of the government to include Turkish Cypriots in the delegation for accession negotiations.
But he added Cyprus was entitled to have its application for membership considered on its own “strong” merits, and that its progress must not be conditional on a solution to the division of the island.
“We would like to see a bi-zonal, bi-communal, federal Cyprus join the EU. We will now work hard to take forward the accession of Cyprus,” Cook said.
He also said Britain would be working hard to strengthen relations between the EU and Turkey.
“Turkey matters, both as a major player in an important region and as a long-time ally,” Cook said.
“We recognise Turkey’s European vocation and the need to draw her into the enlargement process. We have laid down the criteria for all states wishing to join the EU – the need for a market economy, democratic governance and observance of human rights. Turkey’s candidacy must be judged by the same objective criteria as any other country.”
Cook and European Commission vice-president Sir Leon Brittan are expected to be in Washington today where the Cyprus problem is expected to be raised with US officials.
They are scheduled to meet this afternoon with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and other senior American officials.
The Cyprus question is expected to be discussed in connection with Turkey, the Middle East, Algeria and other issues, prior to a joint press conference by the officials.
Meanwhile, a delegation of representatives from the US Congress arrive on the island today for a two-day visit.
According to the US embassy, the trip is part of an overall visit to the region, including Greece and Turkey. Its aim is to meet officials of the government and the UN regarding developments in the Cyprus problem.
The delegation is also expected to meet Turkish Cypriot officials.
