THE GOVERNMENT yesterday suggested calm and patience over a draft European Council report that makes no mention of possible sanctions against Turkey despite its failure to normalise relations with the Republic of Cyprus.
On Thursday the European Parliament approved the draft causing further dismay among certain parties in the domestic front.
Attempt by Cypriot MEPs to include in the draft a reference to sanctions were rejected.
The European Council will assess Turkey’s accession progress next month.
Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said discussion on the draft was just beginning “but some are in a hurry to prejudge the conclusion of the procedure and the stance the Republic of Cyprus would take on the issue.”
Stefanou said the national council would decide on December 4 on what to do while consultations with European partners and Greece continue.
The spokesman said the government was working hard to take advantage of Turkey’s accession course to advance a solution of the Cyprus problem.
At the same time it kept its European partners informed about the course of the talks and the need for Turkey to fulfil its obligations.
“Let us be patient and calm,” Stefanou said.
He added that the government was guided by the position that Turkey’s obligations should be met and that there should be strong messages on behalf of the EU and practical measures so that Ankara would comply.
Earlier yesterday, opposition DISY leader Nicos Anastassiades suggested that “last-moment policies cannot yield the expected results.”
“We are not against sanctions,” Anastassiades said. But instead he suggested Cyprus announced the sanctions and postponed their implementation for six months and in the mean time expose Turkish intransigence and put pressure on Turkey to come clean about its desire for a swift solution.
“Turkey says it wants a solution by April; let them prove it,” Anastassiades said.
He said the way to weaken Turkey’s arguments was to give signs that the foremost intention and desire of the Greek Cypriot side was the solution of the Cyprus problem – a solution that would resolve the rest of the issues.
Possible action by the government is to block opening more of Turkey’s negotiating chapters.
Eight chapters out of 35 have already been frozen by the EU.
