Cyprus Mail: News Articles in English, 98-03-15

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Sunday, March 15, 1998

CONTENTS

[01] Green light for accession talks

[02] Turks seize fishermen

[03] Turkish Cypriots cross to Kokkina enclave

[04] Cordovez coming with no illusions

[05] British insist on right to Akamas exercises

[06] US to continue search for its missing

[07] Man dies feeding chickens

[08] Seminar to examine role of women in ancient Cyprus

[09] Rauffman takes goal tally to 24

[01] Green light for accession talks

The accord means entry talks with Cyprus can start on schedule on March 31 even if Turkish Cypriots - as they have already pledged - reject an offer to join the Cyprus government's negotiating team.

"We now have agreement on how to proceed with Cyprus at the meeting of the 31st," British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook told a final news conference after two days of informal talks in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

But he added: "I do not want to pretend that we decided at breakfast today what's going to happen in three years' time."

France and Greece both withdrew rival amendments to the British EU presidency's proposed opening position in the talks.

The French wanted to delay accession talks until all sides could be brought into the negotiations. The Greeks wanted further financial aid for Cyprus.

The proposal does not make a joint Greek-Turkish Cypriot delegation a condition for negotiations, nor does it make the resolution of the division of Cyprus an explicit condition for accession.

French Foreign Minister Hubert Védrine gave his agreement after telephoning Paris to get government approval. President Jacques Chirac said last week that the EU should freeze talks with Cyprus if it was not possible to negotiate with a joint team representing both sides of the island.

The Turkish Cypriot `parliament' voted on Tuesday to take no part in the EU accession negotiations unless its sovereignty was recognised first.

Védrine, backed by German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel, reaffirmed France's view that it was "neither desirable nor realistic" that Cyprus be admitted while it was still divided, since that would only reinforce the division of the island.

Greece had threatened to block the entire accession process, including talks beginning on the same day with five former communist central and east European states - Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Estonia - if Cyprus talks were treated differently.

However, Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said he was satisfied that "it is now a reality in the text that the beginning of the negotiations, the conduct of the negotiations, the conclusion of the negotiations and ratification will proceed in the same way for all countries".

To meet the French concerns, Britain amended the EU opening statement to say "our objective remains a united Cyprus" instead of saying "our objective means the accession of a united Cyprus".

The European Commission is to monitor the negotiations closely and report regularly to the EU council of ministers, and Britain will refer at the opening of the talks to Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides' offer to include Turkish Cypriot representatives as full members of the Cypriot negotiating team.

"It was also recognised that if a genuine, fair offer is made, the government of Cyprus cannot be held responsible if there is an unreasonable refusal to take part," Cook said.

A European Commission source said Clerides had made two key concessions to the Turkish Cypriots by inviting them to join "the Cyprus delegation" rather than "the Republic of Cyprus" delegation, and by dropping an insistence that they must first recognise the legality of the Cypriot government's accession bid.

The Commission hoped that as soon as accession talks had started - no doubt in the absence of the Turkish Cypriots - Germany would put pressure on Greece to release some 375 million ecu ($410 million) in EU grants to Turkey which it has been blocking since 1980, the source said.

European Commission President Jacques Santer told a news conference with Cook it was "crucial that financial aid to Turkey be unblocked".

That might prompt Ankara to press the Turkish Cypriots to join the accession negotiations, EU officials hope. But there is no guarantee that the strategy will work.

Nevertheless, ministers were encouraged at having defused the Cyprus bombshell, at least for the moment.

"I think it's a very good positive sign that we were able to overcome a real problem. The problem of Cyprus is not resolved, but we resolved an internal problem," Dutch Foreign Minister Hans Van Mierlo told reporters.

Asked whether the Cyprus-EU negotiations might open and then be suspended, he said: "That's always possible, but now it's hidden and not explicit in the text... there is no special procedure for Cyprus," he added.

Sceptics said the outcome merely kicked the Cyprus problem down the road a little, leaving Greece with the same power to block all other accession negotiations if anyone tried to stop the Cyprus talks.

[02] Turks seize fishermen

TWO GREEK Cypriot fishermen were seized yesterday by Turkish forces off the Paralimni coast, following a volley of warning shots at sea.

Acting president Spyros Kyprianou said the government would make representations to the UN over the episode.

Andreas Constantinou, 58, and George Lefteris Zelou, 65, are being kept in a Turkish Cypriot jail after Turkish troops boarded their fishing vessel and towed it to occupied Famagusta port.

The incident comes less than 24-hours after the Turkish Cypriots claimed the National Guard had fired a shot at one of their sentry posts in Achna.

A subsequent UN investigation into that incident has proved "inconclusive".

For father-of-three Constantinou, it was the second time in three years a fishing trip landed him in the hands of Turkish troops.

According to Cyprus police, 10 shots were fired at the fishermen (both from Dherynia) by Turkish soldiers on a speedboat near the Kaparis area of Paralimni.

The UN has confirmed that the incident took place at around 7.15am and said there were no casualties.

However, a UN observation post in the area said it did not hear shots being fired.

Local eye-witnesses said the boat was at least 500 metres inside the maritime security line when the incident happened.

But UN spokesman Waldemar Rokoszewski said the fishing boat had crossed the maritime security line.

"The Greek Cypriot fishing boat was apprehended by a Turkish forces speedboat north of the maritime security line."

Ironically, a UN observation post had seen a different fishing vessel cross the maritime security line and return safely an hour before the incident.

At lunchtime yesterday, the two men were visited by a UN doctor at a 'police' station north of Varosha, and found to be in good health.

"They are in good shape and have been medically examined by a UN doctor," Rokoszewski told the Cyprus Mail.

But the spokesman said the UN had made it clear to the government that the Turks were very sensitive to the security line being breached.

"On numerous occasions, the UN has warned fishermen and tourist boats, through the appropriate Cypriot authorities, not to cross the maritime security line."

Although efforts are being made to get the men released immediately, the UN believes the fishermen will not be freed for at least another three days.

[03] Turkish Cypriots cross to Kokkina enclave

One hundred and four Turkish Cypriots crossed over to Kokkina through the village of Pyrgos, travelling in four buses accompanied by Cyprus police and UN peacekeepers.

One hundred and twenty-two Turkish Cypriot students crossed to the enclave last week.

Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Takis Christopoulos said such visits would continue as Turkish Cypriots were citizens of the Republic.

But he said visits by Greek Cypriot pilgrims to Apostolos Andreas might cease as the Denktash regime had imposed a levy for those entering the occupied areas.

[04] Cordovez coming with no illusions

UNITED Nations Special Advisor on Cyprus Diego Cordovez said yesterday he was determined to "help the interlocutors overcome the obstacles" when he arrives on the island on Tuesday.

He added, however, that he had "no illusions" about the current situation in Cyprus, and the "complications" brought about by the EU accession talks.

Stopping short of criticising the stance of Turkish Cypriot Leader Rauf Denktash on this, the UN envoy noted that Denktash's position was "rigid". On a more hopeful note, however, he added that he was "encouraged" by Denktash's agreement to meet with him, and "heartened" by the general realisation on the island that this is "a time for quiet diplomacy".

Cordovez said he hoped to raise with Denktash the issue of his refusal to participate in further talks until his 'state' is recognised.

There would, he said, be little immediate pressure on Denktash to commit to any immediate talks.

Cordovez also spoke of possible uncertainty on behalf of the two sides as to the format of any eventual solution, saying he would have to establish whether or not both still wanted a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Cordovez is expected to deliver personal letters from the UN Secretary General to both Denktash and President Glafcos Clerides.

Speaking on London Greek Radio on Friday, Clerides said that if Denktash did not seriously consider the Security Council appeal to be put to him by Cordovez, then "the next step would be for both the Secretary General and the Security Council to consider whether they can continue the Secretary- General's mission of good offices".

They would also have to consider what measures to take against the Turkish side, he added.

Clerides said the Cyprus problem was now entering a stage where Denktash could no longer refuse to negotiate.

[05] British insist on right to Akamas exercises

CONTROVERSIAL British war games will go ahead in the Akamas later this month despite protests from Greens and local politicians.

British soldiers will use live ammunition during the Akamas military exercises to take place between March 23 and 27 in the face of strong opposition.

Environmentalists, backed by Greenpeace UK, are prepared to disrupt the exercises through peaceful protests and vigils.

House deputies have also added their voice against military manoeuvres in the natural beauty spot.

However, the British army argues it is well within its rights to carry out war games in the area.

"It must not be forgotten that the bases, under the terms of 1960 Treaty of Establishment, have the right to train for up to 70 days of the year on the Akamas," bases spokesman Mervyn Wynne-Jones said.

Although the government is negotiating with the British authorities to find an alternative site, Wynne-Jones said exercises would continue, "until such a time as a suitable alternative has been found."

He said an alternative area has been suggested at Melanda, west of Episkopi Garrison, and discussions continue about it being a viable possibility.

A small part of Melanda is within the SBA and the remainder is in the Cyprus Republic.

But Wynne-Jones dismissed reports that Paramali was considered an alternative training site.

"It's totally inappropriate to our requirements for basic infantry training such as we do on the Akamas."

The British forces say they understand the concerns of environmentalists and ensure the exercises cause minimal damage to the surroundings.

They also point to the fact that in recent years troops have trained in the Akamas for less than half the allotted 70 days.

Needless to say, politicians and protesters are not swayed by such arguments and have taken their case to the British government and the European parliament in an attempt to secure a ban on the war games.

[06] US to continue search for its missing

The sources, described as well-informed, said the case of American citizen Andreas Kasapis, whose remains were identified recently "sets a precedent", and evidence of the deaths of the remaining four would be sought.

The sources pointed out that a 1994 US senate mandate requested the President to "do everything possible to return to their families the US citizens who have been missing from Cyprus, including returning the remains of those no longer alive."

Comments made by the Cyprus government that any findings, however unhappy, were a positive step, were also welcomed.

Describing the background of the operation leading to the identification of Kasapis, the sources said a five-member team of American experts, and not farmers as previously reported, had found the remains. They added that Turkish Cypriots had helped in the efforts, but that neither the Turkish army, nor the Turks themselves had had anything to do with operations.

American efforts on the missing had not borne fruit earlier, they said, because for many years "the climate was not good". Much credit for the situation in which the final results were achieved was due to the UN- brokered agreement on the missing, the sources added, with particular credit due to UN resident representative Gustave Feissel for his role in clinching the July agreement.

[07] Man dies feeding chickens

At around 7am, Andreas Orphanides was climbing the ladder to get to the roof of his house in order to feed the rabbits and chickens he kept there. Losing his footing, he fell 3.2 metres to the ground, striking his head.

Orphanides was immediately taken to Paphos general hospital, where he received first aid, but was then transferred to Limassol hospital by ambulance due to the seriousness of his injuries.

He died at around 11.40am. Police have ruled out foul play. An autopsy will take place tomorrow.

[08] Seminar to examine role of women in ancient Cyprus

During the conference, entitled 'Engendering Aphrodite: Women and Society in Ancient Cyprus', academics from Cyprus, Europe, Australia and the United States will deliver 35 papers. Subjects include the roles played by women in religious cults, those they occupied in domestic life, and their contribution to technological advancement, including their invention and use of tools.

A number of papers will also focus on rituals and cults surrounding Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who is supposed to have been born from the sea near Paphos.

The conference is sponsored by the Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (Caari). The first three days will be held at the Cleopatra Hotel's Macedonia Conference Centre, while the Monday session will take place at Caari's premises. Further information is available from Caari on 02-451832.

In conjunction with the conference, Caari is sponsoring an exhibition entitled 'Images of Women in Ancient Cyprus'. This features 80 images of women from the Neolithic to Mediaeval periods, and opens on March 24. It will then be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm and again from 2pm to 5pm at Caari's premises.

[09] Rauffman takes goal tally to 24

Even if Anorthosis had taken the three points from last night's home game against Apoel they would have needed to have won by an unlikely eight-goal margin to reclaim top spot.

Anagennisis, who were second from bottom before yesterday's match against Aek, climbed three places to tenth, after their impressive 3-1 away win.

Third-placed Apollonas maintained the pressure on the two top clubs by beating Alki 2-0 in Limassol and sending the Larnaca club back into the relegation zone.

Paralimni subdued Apop 3-0 for only their second home victory of the season and are still undefeated in 1998. Meanwhile, Salamina moved perilously close to the relegation zone after going down 2-0 to Evagoras in Paphos.

Rauffman resumed scoring services for Omonia, after failing to find the net last weekend, to take his tally for the season to 24. Gitanov (2), Sakis and Pontikos were the other scorers as Ashia, who were trailing 2-0 at the break collapsed in the second half. It was their 15th defeat of the season.

A glancing header by Michelic put Apollonas in front in the 36th minute. Alki's Michael was sent off on the stroke of half-time, making things even easier for Apollonas, for whom Vata headed in the second in the 50th minute.

After a goalless first half, Panayiotou opened the scoring for Anagennisis from the penalty spot, before Aek's Brazilian Paolinho restored parity also from the spot. Goals by Nicos Andreou and Gondola wrapped up the valuable three points for Anagennisis.

Evagoras moved up one place thanks to their win, although they remain in the relegation zone. Pachtalias put them on the way to victory in the first half and substitute Hadjiantonis added the second in injury-time.

An Udzmadzuridze penalty, his seventh of the season, gave the lead to Paralimni while second half strikes by Zembashis and Bizic sunk Apop.

In today's only game fourth-placed Ethnikos Achna are at home to Ael.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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