MEPs invite Cypriot rivals to Brussels talks

Date: 01/08/02

By David Cronin

MEPS have invited the leaders of Cyprus' Greek and Turkish communities to share a platform in Brussels.

The foreign affairs committee hopes that Giafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot president, and Rauf Denktash, leader of the Turkish enclave in the island's north, will attend a 'reconciliation seminar' this autumn.

However, the invitation will only stand if both men agree to appear together, says the committee's chairman, German Christian Democrat Elmar Brok.

Denktash's Brussels representative, Hilmi Akil, said the Turkish Cypriot chief has provisionally accepted the invitation to the event, which is planned for October.

Akil believes it could boost links between the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the EU. Relations have been frosty for more than a decade, with Denktash unhappy about the Union's willingness to admit Cyprus as a member state despite its divided status.

'This is a positive step both on the part of the Parliament for inviting Mr Denktash and on Mr Denktash's part for accepting it,' added Akil. 'Hopefully, Mr Clerides will also accept.'

Clerides has not yet decided whether to accept the invitation. A Greek Cypriot diplomat expressed concern that a joint appearance could undermine the 'confidential aspect' of the current UN-sponsored talks between the leaders.

Observers suggest some progress has been made in the talks, which focus on how the island's two communities will run Cyprus after enlargement.

Many sensitive issues remain, including that of the 168,000 Greek Cypriots who lost their homes when Turkish troops annexed the north of the island in 1974.

It emerged yesterday (31 July) that UN chief Kofi Annan will meet Denktash and Clerides on 6 September to assess the state of the peace talks.

MEPs have invited the leaders of Cyprus' Greek and Turkish communities to share a platform in Brussels. The foreign affairs committee hopes that Giafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot president, and Rauf Denktash, leader of the Turkish enclave in the island's north, will attend a 'reconciliation seminar' planned for October 2002.