Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-11-19

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Wednesday, November 19, 1997

Markides will not reveal intentions

TUESDAY'S Greek newspapers focus their attention on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and on the Attorney-general's comments about his plans regarding the presidential elections.

Phileleftheros highlights an alleged proposed solution revealed by Turkish sources which envisages that the two sides in Cyprus 'accept' rather than 'recognise' each other.

The paper says that regarding the EU accession talks the plan proposes that a joint committee with a rotating presidency be set up to conduct the talks.

On the Markides issue, the paper says the Attorney-general's message was simply that he wants to be left alone to decide whether to run for president in February.

The paper says that Disy is carrying on with its election campaign plans to support Clerides despite all other scenarios.

Simerini interprets Markides's comments on Monday as revealing that he is not yet ready to decide if he will be on the February ballot.

The paper says various politicians claim that by his comments Markides was attempting to drive home the message that he will not be patronised either by friend or foe.

On the Cyprus issue, the paper says that US presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke is trying to paint an idyllic picture of the Denktash-Clerides meeting last week by saying that the Turkish Cypriot leader had accepted that all parties are working for a federal solution.

The paper adds, though, that Denktash went on to demand two separate states which will then form a federation, something which contravenes UN resolutions.

Alithia reports that Diko is still evaluating the possibility of backing Markides if the Attorney-general runs for president.

The paper says Diko is also continuing its contacts with Akel, but adds that there is little hope for a coalition given Akel's insistence that it will vote only for its own candidate, George Iacovou.

The paper also reports that the UN secretary-general's special Cyprus envoy, Diego Cordovez, has criticised both sides in Cyprus for not being ready to submit legal documents regarding the constitutional arrangements before a solution.

Agon is the only Greek paper to report the death of the tourists in Luxor, Egypt, as its lead story on the front page.

The paper also carries Markides's comments on his plans for the elections.

Machi reveals that the US, in an attempt to assert its authority, has already made plans to call for the stationing of the first American troops after a solution in the occupied town of Famagusta.

The paper says Richard Holbrooke is seriously considering Famagusta as a site in which to set up joint business ventures by the two communities because of the infrastructure already in place in the city.

Haravghi says that Markides's comments on Monday were mainly aimed at Disy quarters which are trying to discourage him from running for president.

The paper says that by his comments Markides sought to establish himself as an independent who will not be patronised by anyone and will not succumb to pressure.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1997

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article