Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-12-04

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

Thursday, December 4, 1997

EU sparks recognition fears

MOST papers interpreted the remarks about the existence of two sets of legislation in Cyprus, made by EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek as being a form of recognition of the pseudo-state.

Phileleftheros said this was the second manifestation, in less than a month, of the intention to recognise institutions in the north by European officials. After Sir David Hannay, van den Broek expressed the same intention, as part of efforts to find a way for Turkish Cypriots to participate in EU accession negotiations, it said.

At the end of his visit to Cyprus, the Commissioner expressed the view that twoo sets of legislation existed in Cyprus and they should be harmonised. He suggested that the two sides sit together with the EU and, ask what is expected of them in order to become members.

Alithia said that van den Broek's comments provoked a strong reaction from the media as well as the government. Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides repeated the position of the government on the matter.

He said that, first, it should be made clear that the EU will be negotiating with the Cyprus government and, second, the Turkish Cypriots should accept the principle of EU accession. Once these conditions were satisfied, the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in accession talks could be discussed.

Agon said the differences between the government and the EU could affect Cyprus' membership bid. Van den Broek's comments showed that the EU was prepared to treat the pseudo-state as the equal of the Cyprus government.

Haravghi quoted the Akel general secretary, Demetris Christofias as saying that rumours about his resignation from the party leadership and predictions of a power struggle for his succession were untrue.

He said a general point he had made in an interview, about how politicians should behave, was blown out of all proportion. Although he had no intention of resigning, he repeated the view that political leaders should not stay in positions of authority indefinitely as they were not irreplaceable.

Simerini predicted that the `third candidate' - Attorney-general Alecos Markides - was expected to give his answer to Diko by today, because this afternoon the party's central committee would meet, while on Friday Spyros Kyprianou was scheduled to give a press conference.

The paper said that if the `mystery of the third candidate' was not concluded in the next few days Diko would be deeply embarrassed.

Machi claimed that, after his meeting with President Clerides, Markides had decided not to stand. Markides had been convinced of the need - given developments in the national problem - for Clerides to remain president for another five years.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1997

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