| Author (Person) | Cronin, David |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.42, 11.12.03, p14 |
| Publication Date | 11/12/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
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By David Cronin Date: 11/12/03 ANKARA is considering plans to go over the head of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to secure a settlement on Cyprus' future before the divided island joins the EU in May 2004. Turkish sources say such discussions are taking place in view of the possibility that Denktash could emerge victorious in parliamentary elections due to take place in Turkish occupied north Cyprus on Sunday (14 December). According to the sources, aides to Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan are toying with the idea of a deal with the Greek Cypriots, even if the ageing Denktash opposes the move. Ankara has been prompted to pay greater attention to the Cyprus issue following a European Commission warning that failure to secure a settlement on the island's future would harm Turkey's EU membership ambitions. Turkish officials are, therefore, studying a modification to the plan for Cyprus signed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. This would mean that the number of Greek Cypriots allowed to return to northern Cyprus to reclaim property seized by Turkish troops during the 1974 invasion would be substantially lower than the 100,000 envisaged in the Annan blueprint. Oguz Demiralp, Turkey's EU ambassador, said this week he is not privy to the discussions. But he added: "I understand there will be fresh attempts [to reach a settlement]. It is in the interest of the government to do what is incumbent on it to address the issue." This weekend's election is being keenly fought by supporters of Denktash and the Turkish Republican Party. The latter has signalled its support for the Annan plan. The Turkish Government may go over the head of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, to secure a settlement on the future of the divided island of Cyprus, before Cyprus joins the European Union in May 2004. |
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| Countries / Regions | Cyprus, Malta, Turkey |
