Kathimerini (Greece) Nov. 16, 2005
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_4250371_16/11/2005_63060 News: Cypriot protest over Turkish occupation NICOSIA (AP) - Turkish Cypriots in the north of this war-divided island celebrated independence yesterday, while Greek Cypriots protested in the internationally recognized south. The island's northern third unilaterally declared independence on November 15, 1983, but only Turkey recognizes the breakaway state in the north of Cyprus. In the capital, Nicosia, Cyprus government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said Turkish efforts to "amputate Cyprus" would not succeed. Just a few kilometers north, Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat saluted a military parade. An aerial display by the Turkish air force was planned later yesterday in the coastal town of Kyrenia. Talat said Turkish Cypriots would not compromise over their "legal rights." "We know well that the Turkish Republic, with which we are bound through historical ties, will never disappoint us," Talat said. Around 600 students waving Cypriot and Greek flags gathered in Nicosia's Eleftherias (Freedom) Square for a concert. "Our aim is not partition. We want the reunification of Cyprus," said Sotiris Xenofontos, a student union spokesman. Cyprus has been separated since 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of an Athens-backed coup by supporters of union with Greece. A draft settlement plan approved by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was rejected by Greek Cypriots and approved by Turkish Cypriots in separate referendums last year. ##### http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_columns_4251261_16/11/2005_63064 Commentaries Greece must drop its delusions Media reports about Turkey's national security dogma underscore that Ankara will not yield an inch on its longstanding claims over the Aegean Sea and Cyprus. In fact, Turkish intransigence has intensified. The Turkish establishment refuses to tone down its rhetoric. The recent leaks allow the conclusion that certain circles are sending a message not only to Athens and Nicosia but also to the EU. A number of recent events have reinforced the feeling. National air-space violations have become more aggressive. So has pressure on the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. The statements by Turkish officials on the occasion of the proclamation of the breakaway state on northern Cyprus were provocative. Everything seems to point to the fact that Ankara has decided to entrench itself in its fixed positions. Athens need to shed past illusions and take a sober look at events. So far, Greece's active support for Turkey's EU ambitions has yielded no positive results. The truth is, Ankara never kept its intentions secret. And it cannot be held responsible if the Greek politicians have for years nourished expectations that have not been borne out. Again, it is Greek politicians who are responsible for the fact that the country has failed to capitalize on the mammoth security spending to safeguard the nation or to hammer out a more effective foreign policy. These events forced Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to postpone his visit to the neighboring country. An official visit only makes sense if prior diplomatic preparations guarantee tangible progress. But there is no evidence to back this up — quite the opposite, actually. In light of current circumstances, Athens has no reason to take any initiative at the bilateral level. Greece should instead await developments in Ankara's EU membership negotiations. During the process, Greece will have a chance to raise issues of interest to this country. That is the only way to make Turkey face up to its internal contradictions and prove in practice whether it is willing to observe good-neighborly relations with an existing member state. But these cannot just happen on their own. Greek foreign policy makers must hammer out a comprehensive action plan with clear goals and contingency plans — something which doesn't seem to be the case right now. Serbian News Network - SNN [email protected] http://www.antic.org/
