THE government yesterday brushed off criticism it was wasting precious time with trivial matters that had little bearing on Turkey’s obligations towards the EU and Cyprus.
Opposition leader Nicos Anastassiades has accused the administration of pursuing a “no-brawn policy” by its insistence on the wording of a counter-declaration by the bloc to Ankara’s refusal to recognise the Republic.
Yesterday, COREPER held yet another extraordinary session to draft a counter-declaration that would be acceptable to all EU members. It was the body’s sixth attempt at breaking the deadlock.
In the last drafts tabled, the British presidency of the EU proposed that “prior recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of accession”, angering Nicosia as this basically meant Turkey could recognise Cyprus when, and even if, it joins the EU in 10 to 15 years. It also linked this issue to the Cyprus problem. Greece tabled a proposal along the lines that “recognition is a necessary component of the accession process”.
Cyprus’ position for explicit and timely recognition has been backed, to varying degrees, by countries such as France, Hungary and Austria.
Meanwhile the October 3 date by which the bloc is to begin accession talks with candidate Turkey is fast approaching, with EU ambassadors and foreign minister under increasing pressure to strike a compromise deal.
And daily Politis yesterday speculated that the delay in drafting a counter-declaration suited Turkey and its supporters inside the EU, as there would be no time left to discuss any conditions about the Cyprus issue when the negotiation framework for Ankara would be addressed.
The negotiation framework details what Turkey must do to achieve full membership status, including its relations with other member states.
Anastassiades yesterday took a similar line, hinting that the government had fallen into the trap of going on a wild goose chase.
“We are being led to irreversible situations [for Cyprus] if we allow time to go idly by,” the DISY boss said.
“We just cannot continue dealing with protocols, regulations and procedures…we need something concrete.
“Unfortunately, for the past 50 days [since Ankara signed the customs union protocol] we have been dealing with declarations and counter-declarations and whatnot, whereas we should have focused on the negotiation framework with Turkey.”
The main opposition party has long argued that a stalemate in normalising relations with Turkey serves to cement the status quo on the island, as more and more settlers arrive in the north.
Anastassiades’ accusations were dismissed by Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides, who insisted the wording of the counter-declaration was “very serious business”.
“It is Turkey’s statement that caused the EU’s reaction, and now the bloc must address all the potential negative consequences arising from that statement.”
Chrysostomides would not confirm media reports from Brussels claiming that the latest draft tabled by the British presidency “packaged” recognition of Cyprus with the negotiating framework.
“I am not aware of such information, nor can I confirm or deny it…we’ll have to wait and see how things go,” he added.
He also denied knowledge about US State Department Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried allegedly telling Foreign Minister George Iacovou not to hamper Turkey’s accession bid.
“However, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were true, as that is a longstanding policy of the United States,” remarked Chrysostomides.
