ALITHIA: “Ankara holds the key to unlocking Cyprus problem” The daily led with highlights from the Europa Forum conference held in Berlin, where EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said it was unreasonable to expect EU accession negotiations with Turkey to begin with the Cyprus problem unsolved. Verheugen added that, although the Cyprus issue was not part of the so-called Copenhagen criteria, it would be inconceivable for the EU to conduct accession negotiations with a country occupying the territory of a member state.
PHILELEFTHEROS: “Turkey sacrificing accession for the sake of the breakaway regime” According to the paper, the recent statements by Turkish premier Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to the breakaway regime have forced a rethinking of US diplomatic efforts on Cyprus. Erdogan said Turkey’s primary objective was to maintain the breakaway regime at all costs. Meanwhile Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul announced a new initiative on Cyprus following the elections in the north.
POLITIS: “Denktash’s coup” In a bid to maintain his position as chief negotiator for the Turkish Cypriot side, Rauf Denktash has proposed the setting up of a National Congress, an apparatus he will presumably head. The National Congress will reportedly deal with foreign policy matters and will not be accountable to ‘parliament’. Analysts say Denktash’s move is a sign of concern about the result of the upcoming elections in the north.
THARROS: “Students making big bucks from parties” Citing its sources, the paper said hotel and disco managers approach high-school students, making them special offers for parties on their premises. The students taking up the deal are reportedly paid hefty amounts, but this situation is a cause for concern for parents, as the parties are not organised or approved by schools. Reportedly, one student was able to raise enough money in this way to buy a car.
HARAVGHI: “Up to the international community now” The latest statements by Turkish premier Erdogan, fully backing the breakaway regime, have not disrupted the international community’s plans to restart negotiations on the Cyprus problem. Sources said the aim was still to achieve a settlement before May 1, 2004, Cyprus’ accession to the EU. And EU officials suggested Turkey would be reminded that progress on Cyprus was related to its own accession prospects.
SIMERINI: “Farmers will rebel” Leopold Maurer, the EU’s chief negotiator on Cyprus, has warned the government that the farming community will react violently if they are deprived of EU funds. Farmers can have access to the money only via an Agricultural Disbursement Fund, which the government still has not set up. Maurer reportedly informed the government the money would be channeled elsewhere if the Fund were not set up.
