Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-12-16

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

Tuesday, December 16, 1997

Bargaining to follow EU decision

THE decision by the EU to start accession talks with Cyprus on March 30 and Turkey's negative reaction to this recent development made front-page news in all Greek newspapers.

Phileleftheros says that Britain, holding the EU presidency for the next six months, will have a crucial role to play in the future developments regarding mainly the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the negotiating team.

The paper also points out that following the EU decision to rule out Turkey being a candidate country for accession in the near future was received with disappointment in Washington.

According to the paper US presidential envoy for Cyprus Richard Holbrooke has pointed out that Germany has an important role to play in attempts to bring Turkey closer to the EU thus facilitating a more positive stance by Turkey in the Cyprus issue.

Alithia says that following the EU decision Turkey has decided to `upgrade' its relations with the Denktash regime in order to pressure its European allies into a more positive handling of its European aspirations.

The paper says that France has vowed to help Turkey regain its status within the EU following Saturday's decision by EU leaders.

Meanwhile, an article in the London Times criticised British PM Tony Blair of `unwise' handling which led to the EU decision on Cyprus.

Simerini highlights Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz's threats to integrate the occupied part of Cyprus with Turkey if the European Union goes ahead with its decision to start accession talks with Cyprus.

In another story the paper says that there is a difference of opinion in the Democratic Party as to whom they should back for the presidency in the case that Attorney General Alecos Markides decides not to stand.

According to the paper Diko's vice-president Dinos Michaelides has pointed out to party leader Spyros Kyprianou that the party has not taken a decision to back George Iacovou if Markides does not enter the presidential race.

Machi says that Diko's secretary Stathis Kittis met Markides Sunday and announced afterwards that the Attorney General would make his decision known yesterday.

On another issue the paper says that the S-300 missiles will be delivered to Cyprus by Russia in September 1998.

Agon says that Markides was to announce whether he will stand for President yesterday, or today at the latest.

According to the paper Diko is not expected to wait for a statement by Markides longer that Wednesday.

Haravghi centres its main story on Kyprianou's comments that Diko might back Akel candidate George Iacovou in the first round if Markides is not a candidate.

The paper also says that according to Kyprianou the Markides issue should be resolved in the next two days.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1997

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