Annan Cyprus plan “unlikely” to secure early breakthrough

Date: 20/02/03

By David Cronin

KOFI Annan is expected to present a revised blueprint for reuniting Cyprus when he visits the island next week - but few believe it will be enough to secure a breakthrough before the UN's 28 February deadline. The new plan from the UN secretary-general was referred to by Abdullah Gül, the Turkish premier, during a visit to Brussels on Monday (17 February). He said he hoped it would meet the concerns of both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

The plan, an amended version of the one issued in November, is to be presented to leaders of both communities when Annan arrives in Nicosia next Wednesday (26 February) for a three-day visit.

But a source close to Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, said it is improbable Annan will be able to secure an accord during his stay, which will be preceded by visits to Ankara and Athens. "Nobody here expects anything to happen by 28 February," the source added.

Uncertainty over the prospect of a deal has also increased following the victory of Democratic Party leader Tassos Papadopoulos in last Sunday's presidential election, ending the ten-year reign of Glafcos Clerides.

A key plank of his campaign was that he would negotiate harder than Clerides to secure a better deal for the Greek Cypriots.

Papadopoulos, who is backed by the Communist Akel and Socialist Democrat party, Kisos, will be sworn in on 28 February, the same day as the UN deadline. His pledge to strive towards an agreement with Denktash is being taken with a pinch of salt by many.

A veteran of Eoka, the Greek Cypriot guerrilla movement which fought for independence from Britain in the 1960s, Papadopoulos rejected the original Annan plan in November.

He had argued that the 168,000 Greek Cypriots forced out of their homes during the 1974 Turkish invasion should be allowed to return to where they used to live.

The UN plan provides for only 60,000 Greek Cypriots to be allowed to return to the disputed areas, now occupied by 40,000 Turkish troops.

Papadopoulos announced yesterday (19 February) that Clerides would not be one of his negotiators if talks with Denktash are extended beyond 28 February. He promised nonetheless to seek advice from the 83-year-old outgoing president.

A spokesman for the president-elect said: "We want a just and durable solution to the Cyprus problem. Mr Papadopoulos will work hard to ensure a settlement can be reached."

Sources say Annan is likely to propose a fresh map for Cyprus with the two states linked by common institutions. Denktash feels that the amended plan does not provide sufficient security in the border areas.

UN secretary-general Kofi Annan is expected to present a revised blueprint for reuniting Cyprus when he visits the island on 26 February 2003 - but few believe it will be enough to secure a breakthrough before the UN's 28 February deadline.