STAR- Columnist Semih Idiz writes on the recent biased statements by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen. A summary of his column is as follows:
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen has lost his credibility with the Turkish side due to his biased statements. The EU has complicated this already complex situation. It is obvious that Verheugen's statements have played a role as destructive as that of a bull in a china shop. The Greek Cypriots which are feeling no pressure from the EU, and Verheugen's statements make them feel as if they have the luxury to sit on their hands and play for time. The only thing they are waiting for is the characterization of TRNC President Rauf Denkas, whom they know Verheugen does not like a bit, as 'intransigent.' The Greek-Cypriots will thus be rescued from the responsibility laid on their shoulders by Denktas when he opened the new negotiations process this January. In other words they will solidify the diplomatic advantage they gained by accepting Turkish requests for face-to-face talks. The Cyprus problem has a predictable character for both sides. Therefore, it is rather easy to make negative predictions. However, many Turkish Cypriots believe that they are on the verge of missing a historical opportunity in entering the EU because of Turkey. This shows that there is a wide difference of opinion between the younger and older generations on Cyprus. This gap in points of view in Northern Cyprus will only grow as the time for the Greek Cypriot administration's admittance to the EU nears, and we will be faced with problems we are not accustomed to. There are claims that an organization has been put up to intimidate dissidents through threats. Although these claims are not yet proven, it is rather unpleasant to hear such things. All these show that Northern Cyprus is headed towards a crisis. I sincerely hope that this prediction does not come true.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION