CYPRUS: UN-brokered reunification negotiations ended their fifth session in Nicosia yesterday with Greek and Turkish Cypriots working at cross-purposes, writes Michael Jansen
While the Greek Cypriots have been submitting observations on a specific section of the UN plan for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, the Turkish Cypriots have tabled a paper putting forward old demands either rejected by the international community or outside the framework of the plan.
In an eight-page paper the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Rauf Denktash, called for the renegotiation of the island's European Union accession and proposed postponing the May 1st entry date until the reunification agreement is ratified by all 24 EU members.
He reintroduced terminology which would produce a settlement based on two sovereign states, ethnic separation, the permanent presence of Turkish troops, and the legitimisation of Turkish settlers resident in the north since the 1974 Turkish occupation.
He also insisted that Cyprus should be exempt from Protocol I of the European Convention on Human Rights with the aim of preventing the intermingling of the two communities.
Although Turkey, the only country which recognises Mr. Denktash's breakaway state, characterised his paper as a "serious contribution" to a settlement, this assessment is at odds with the views of the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who remains committed to resolving the Cyprus problem by May 1st.
His assertion that the "formation of a United Cyprus Republic is ideal for us" suggests that he and Mr Denktash may have serious differences. Mr Erdogan has also called on both sides to observe the UN-imposed news blackout which Mr Denktash has flouted by giving daily briefings.
The Cyprus President, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, said yesterday that the Greek Cypriot side wanted the talks to be substantive and not amount to an exchange of position papers. He said it was too early to talk about a convergence of views on any issues.
Referendums on the plan are scheduled for April 22nd and, if approved by both communities, a United Cyprus Republic will be proclaimed in time for EU entry.
At present, 53 per cent of Turkish Cypriots favour acceptance of the plan while 61 per cent of Greek Cypriots reject it.