Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-11-08

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - TURKEY

[01] PAPADOPOULOS - TURKEY

In remarks from Split, Croatia, President Papadopoulos noted that nothing has changed from the draft, adding that the report contains quite a few positive points, although some points could have been more specific and more detailed regarding Turkey`s stance.

Asked what he thought of the report, President Papadopoulos said that ``generally the report is positive as far as Cyprus is concerned.``

``From what I have read so far, they have not changed anything from the draft we had in mind. It contains several positive points. Some other points could have been more specific and more detailed regarding Turkey`s stance. But on the whole it is positive. It does not contain any suggestions,`` the President pointed out.

He added that from what he has been informed from Brussels, ``the argument is that, since a period of time is given until early December for Turkey to comply, it would not be right to include messages now concerning what Turkey should do, because it would eliminate the message the Commission wishes to give, by allowing this short extension.``

Asked if the government has been approached about the possible content of the suggestions or sanctions, President Papadopoulos pointed out that over the recent period there have been meetings and visits.

``This was the purpose. We have expressed our views, we have heard other views. I have repeatedly said that it is still not certain that the majority of the council of leaders will choose, as measures, sanctions against Turkey,`` he noted.

Asked if this issue was in any way connected to the Finnish initiative or if the initiative was independent, President Papadopoulos said that ``although it is independent, of course it is connected.``

``Let us say that Turkey is stating that it will not implement the protocol unless the so-called embargoes, which we dismiss exist, against the Turkish Cypriots, are lifted,`` he said.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article