Kranidiotis and Cook discuss Cyprus in London talks

THE COMING months are crucial for the Cyprus problem, Greek alternate foreign minister Yiannos Kranidiotis said yesterday.

Speaking to London Greek Radio after meeting British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, Kranidiotis said they had agreed that Cyprus’ EU accession should not depend on a solution to the Cyprus problem.

“If Turkey continues its intransigent stance, Cyprus cannot be punished once gain by Turkish policy.”

Kranidiotis said an opportunity to break the deadlock now existed, provided the world’s powers, and especially the United States and Britain, exerted pressure on Turkey.

“The position of Greece is that Britain must play a role of initiative, it must help start the bicommunal dialogue without preconditions, and must help promote a just an viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the resolutions and decisions of the United Nations.”

The Greek minister said Cook had promised to co-operate and help “with all his power,” and that the two would remain in continuous contact on the problem.

He said the existing deadlock could be overcome “if the big powers, among which are Britain and of course the United States, press Turkey to assume its responsibilities.”

On Cyprus’ EU accession, Kranidiotis said the course was developing smoothly and that “the prospects are good since Cyprus has less problems than any other candidate country.”