THE Government said yesterday it was delaying the announcement of a package of measures to support the Turkish Cypriot community after “certain factors” emerged that required further consultation, Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides said yesterday.
Speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, Cassoulides said he did not expect the government to publicise the measures any time soon because of issues that had emerged since the package was promised in Copenhagen last Friday.
The measures are expected to focus mainly on the free movement of products and support for independent organisations and educational centres.
“We have to consider various factors, including some necessary co-operation with the European Commission, some fears expressed by leaders of the Turkish Cypriot community, and I am not sure that we will proceed to announce the measures any time soon,” Cassoulides said.
He added: “We will need some more consultation time before we decide.”
The subcommittee set up to study the measures convened yesterday morning for two hours.
Chief EU negotiator George Vassiliou said after the meeting that the measures were important and within legal frameworks.
Reports said the measures were finalised yesterday, though concerns were expressed on how much to give the Turkish Cypriots without running the risk of recognition of the breakaway state.
Sources said some members of the subcommittee feared the measures could be counterproductive.
Apart from Cassoulides and Vassiliou, the subcommittee was made up of Finance Minister Takis Klerides, Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou, Attorney-general Alecos Markides and other government officials.
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