EUROPEAN VOICE CRITICIZES GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
The European Voice daily, which is the broadcasting organ
of the EU, in its article entitled, "Is Papadopoulos Putting The TRNC Into
Ankara's Arms", stated that if the Greek Cypriot leader, Tassos Papadopoulos,
continues with his current stance, he would be responsible for his worst
fear, the TRNC's integration with Turkey.
In its latest issue, the European Voice daily, criticized
the Greek Cypriot side's current stance on the direct trade and financial
aid regualtions for the Turkish Cypriots.
The daily said that the Greek government should use its
influence over Papadopoulos in order to make him act rationally and in
accordance with the EU reconciliation spirit.
Referring to remarks made by the Spokesman of the Greek
Cypriot Administration, Kipros Hrisostomidis, to the effect that, "the
atmosphere regarding Cyprus in Europe and in the international arena is much
better when compared with the atmosphere immediately after the referendum",
the article stressed that this was aimed at misleading the Greek Cypriot
people and that the EU had made a mistake by including Cyprus in the EU.
TRNC'S WASHINGTON REPRESENTATIVE OSMAN ERTUG
ADDRESSES US OFFICIALS
As the invited guest of "The Exchange Club of Capitol
Hill", the TRNC's Washington Representative, Osman Ertug, summarized the
latest developments on the Cyprus issue to the US senators in Washington. In
his address, which was also observed by American businessmen, and civilian
and military officials Ertug explained the steps taken by the Turkish
Cypriot side towards a Cyprus settlement.
Pointing out that April 2004 was a historic month in
which many steps were taken towards a settlement, Ertug said, on 23 April
2003 the Turkish Cypriot side took a political decision to open the borders
and in last April's (24 April 2004) referendum, 65 per cent of Turkish
Cypriots voted 'yes' to the Cyprus settlement plan prepared by the UN, while
76 per cent of Greek Cypriots rejected it. He said, despite this outcome,
the Greek Cypriot side were made EU members and the Turkish Cypriot people
were still being subjected to international isolations and restrictions.
Explaining that the international community did not keep its promises made
to the Turkish Cypriots, Ertug said, the EU was ineffective on this issue
and although the USA had taken some initiatives, this was not strong enough
to motivate the Greek Cypriots to achieve a settlement.
