Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-11-04

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

Tuesday, November 4, 1997

Balkan summit grabs headlines

MONDAY'S Greek newspapers deal with a variety of issues, ranging from the ongoing military exercises by Turkey and Greece near Cyprus and the Aegean, to the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the Balkan Summit hosted by Greece on the island of Crete.

Phileleftheros reports that the US and Britain are trying to work out a formula which will permit the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the EU accession talks.

The paper says that the Turkish side is not responding positively to these attempts and would rather wait for the outcome of the EU summit on December 13 which will decide if Turkey's relations with the EU will be upgraded.

Regarding the Balkan summit the paper says that there were violations of Greek air space even as Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz was arriving at the Summit.

Alithia says that Yilmaz avoided any comments upon his arrival to Crete and goes on to predict that no surprises should be expected in Greco-Turkish relations.

The paper says that Greek mainland papers also predict no real progress in the bilateral relations of the two countries.

Simerini says that Turkey is attempting to establish a state of terror in its relations with Greece in an effort to pressure the government of Greek premier Costas Simitis into a compromising position.

The paper backs its claim by pointing out that air violations are frequent while Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz is on Greek soil, participating in a peace summit with other Balkan leaders.

Reporting on the summit Agon says that the Americans have been working hard the last few days to secure progress in bilateral relations when the Turkish and Greek Prime Ministers meet on the sidelines of the Crete Summit.

The paper says that the US have already submitted for study by the two sides a text for a common statement at the end of their meeting in Crete.

Machi highlights a statement by the US President's envoy in the Cyprus problem, Richard Holbrooke, that he does not believe that there will be any sort of hostilities between Nato allies Turkey and Greece.

The American diplomat also said that it is his strong conviction that Greece is not seeking a confrontation with Turkey.

Haravghi bases its front-page lead story on information from Sunday's Greek To Vima which says that the Americans have been working behind the scenes for a successful meeting between the two premiers.

The paper says that Yilmaz will extend an invitation to Simitis to visit Turkey. According to the paper the Greek Premier is expected to accept the invitation.

© Copyright 1997 Cyprus Mail

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