MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen comments on the European Union’s approach to the Cyprus issue. A summary of his column is as follows:
Is the European Union backing away from its determination to accept the Greek Cypriot administration into the EU under the name of Cyprus? Looking at the headlines of the Turkish press, one could well believe that the EU will do this. The EU diplomats are talking about such a move and even the possibility of excluding Southern Cyprus from the list of countries to become EU members in 2004. But we have a natural tendency to treat diplomatic news, in which nuances and details are very important, in a very shallow and exaggerated manner. The news in the Turkish press about Southern Cyprus’ EU membership bid has led to premature satisfaction. At this stage, it’s too early to say that Greek Cyprus’ EU membership is fated not to be. As journalists in Brussels have said in their reports, ‘Some diplomats say that there is a drift in this direction.’ ‘Since the EU doesn’t want to hand a trump card to anti-EU circles in Turkey before November’s early elections, it won’t approve the Greek Cypriots’ membership now,’ said one Reuters correspondent. However, we need to ask whether or not such a remark is realistic.
Yes, there are those in EU circles who have begun to see the drawbacks and risks of making Cyprus an EU member in a divided way. This is even openly discussed within the EU. Of course it’s an important development, because the EU has officially maintained its argument that Cyprus -- that is, only the Greek Cypriot administration -- will be accepted as a member. Following the Reuters report, confused Greek Cypriot officials asked Brussels for an explanation. The EU’s ‘official’ answer to them was that ‘our previously stated position hasn’t changed.’ Obviously the EU is confused concerning this issue at the moment, and a couple of weeks are needed to clear things up. The EU’s Progress Report on Southern Cyprus’ membership bid will be released on Nov. 9. Actually the outlines of the report are ready, and they state that Cyprus (the Greek Cypriot administration) is complying with all the necessary criteria for membership. This report will be discussed in Brussels on Nov. 23-24. However, the main decision will be made at the Copenhagen summit in December. Obviously not only the EU criteria, but also political factors will be taken into consideration in the final decision. In other words, the possible dangerous consequences of making Cyprus an EU member under its current divided situation will play a pivotal role.
It’s clear that when it reaches this stage, the EU will be in trouble. On the one hand, there is its promise to Southern Cyprus concerning its membership and if this promise isn’t kept, there is Greece’s threat to hinder the EU’s policy of enlargement (in other words, its vetoing the membership of nine countries). On the other hand, there is the tension inherent in admitting the island in its divided condition and the danger of irritating Turkey, which has been waiting for a date from the EU for membership negotiations and the geostrategic importance of which moreover has increased due to the Iraqi crisis. In the words of one European diplomat, this is ‘one of the biggest dilemmas that the EU has ever faced.’ In all probability, EU diplomats will look for a ‘middle way’ as usual to solve this problem.
This is the EU’s problem. What should Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) do? The Turkish side should draw attention to the problems of making Southern Cyprus an EU member if the island’s problem are not solved. In addition, Turkey should also continue its efforts to accelerate the process of reaching a solution or consensus. At the moment of decision, the EU should see that the Turkish side has done what it should to reach a solution and that it isn’t responsible for this cul-de-sac. When that happens, Southern Cyprus’ EU bid would be stopped in its tracks.

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