Cyprus In A Squeeze

HURRIYET- Columnist Ferai Tinc writes on the Cyprus negotiations and interventions from abroad. A summary of her column is as follows:
It is clearly understood that during the Cyprus negotiation process both sides will be on pins and needles when getting news from abroad. EU Commissioner Responsible for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen's words to the press to the effect that 'Turkey has a debt regarding Cyprus' strengthen this opinion. With the beginning of the negotiation process in December, Verheugen began to talk more than before. Whenever he opens his mouth he irritates either one or both sides in the Cyprus problem. In December he said that the EU would admit the Greek Cypriot administration whether the problem were solved or not. This statement angered both sides. It infuriated the Greek Cypriot side because Verheugen had said that they would not admit the entire island but only the Greek Cypriot side to the EU. The style of Verheugen in his recent interview with the German daily was repugnant. What does he mean by saying that 'Turkey owes'? Is Northern Cyprus Turkey's debt to the South? However, in a statement to the BBC, Verheugen changed his stance and stressed that Europe had not given its final word on admitting the Greek Cypriot administration to the EU before a solution is found to the problem. In fact, the Helsinki declaration stresses that before making a decision, contributions by both parties would be reviewed and all problems would be taken into consideration. The European policy is based on pressure on both sides. We must be ready for new statements during the negotiations between Denktas and Clerides. Some may anger, and others may please. There is no room for exaggeration. This is a part of the pressure policy. During the post-Sept. 11 process, the stability of Southeastern Europe has assumed an important place in both European and US policies. If the satisfaction of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side lies on one leg of the stability, the meeting of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot demands lies on the other. Gradually, everyone is understanding that an agreement reducing Turks to a minority status won't go any further than the paper it's printed on. In fact, 'United States of Cyprus' plan recently leaked to the press demonstrates this fact. However, the determining factor in this process is Turkey's stance. It has to believe that it will be an EU member to begin talks with the EU for full membership. The negative and discouraging statements made by important and influential figures only increase Turkey's lack of confidence and make the situation more difficult. This is true not only for the Turks and Cypriot Turks, but the work of the Greeks is also getting harder. It seems that the Greek Cypriots are not terribly confident in their getting full membership. They also need a solution which would not lead to more complicated issues. The leaders on the island have decided on a moratorium on speeches. However they should speak out right now. If they really are trying hard to reach a solution, they should speak and prepare their public for a peaceful co-existence. Otherwise, Verheugen is waiting his mouth at the ready.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION