PHILELEFTHEROS: “Turkey making demands to the EU” In its lead story, the daily noted that Turkey had shown some signs of its negotiating tactics in the upcoming four-way talks in Switzerland. The Turkish government has asked the EU to clarify its position with regard to the derogations from the EU acquis in the Annan plan. Ankara’s strategy in the enlarged talks was determined in a high-level meeting between government officials and the military.
THARROS: “Probe into police promotions initiated” Justice Minister Doros Theodorou has confirmed that an investigation is under way into suspected tampering by senior police officials with promotions procedures in the force. According to a lawyer’s allegations, police officials illegally altered the short list in a bid to promote their friends and acquaintances.
HARAVGHI: “Unwarranted tolerance” The communist party mouthpiece reported on the latest developments in the talks, noting that on Monday Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash would submit to the UN a copy of the constitution of the Turkish Cypriot constituent state. Meanwhile AKEL deputy Nicos Katsourides said that the UN was exhibiting considerable leniency toward Denktash, who has been systematically violating the procedure agreed in New York.
SIMERINI: “Erdogan threatens to walk out” The Turkish leadership in Ankara has laid out its minimum requirements for participation in the enlarged talks in Lucerne. Turkey wants any derogations from the EU acquis in a settlement to be ratified by the EU and be incorporated into primary law. In addition, Turkey is pursuing arrangements that will strengthen ‘bizonality’ on the island. Ankara also wants to be a guarantor power in Cyprus and maintain a military force after a solution.
ALITHIA: “IMF examines cost of solution” According to the paper, a team of IMF experts has arrived on the island to investigate the cost of a solution. The experts are currently drafting proposals on a viable economic structure which they will submit to the UN. According to sources, the IMF expects the cost of a solution to be far lower than the £16 billion figure cited. They also predict reconstruction will create an economic boom.
POLITIS: “Tough stance in Switzerland” Another take on Turkey’s demands for the talks in Switzerland, with the paper saying UN special envoy Alvaro de Soto seemed concerned following his meeting with Turkish leaders in Ankara on Sunday. Meanwhile the Greek Cypriot side indicated it was not optimistic about the four-way talks, given Turkey’s continued intransigence.
