by Christa Nicolaou
Athens, Apr 3 (CNA) – The Cyprus issue and its progress are being debated within the UN framework and it is within this framework that efforts will be made to restart a procedure for a solution, said here Monday Greek Foreign Ministry Spokesman George Koumoutsakos.
Asked if the prospect for a solution is associated with Turkey’s EU course, Koumoutsakos said the “Cyprus problem and its course are being discussed within the UN framework and this is the framework in which an effort to restart the process to achieve a solution will take place”.
At the same time, “in its EU course, Turkey has undertaken several commitments which it has to respond to,” he said,
adding that “there is no relation or inter-dependence of one course with the other”.
Koumoutsakos said Turkey, which is a candidate EU country, has undertaken several obligations among them to implement the protocol, expanding its customs union agreement with all EU member states.
Noting that this is an ongoing issue in the EU, Koumoutsakos called on Turkey to respond.
“There are several specific dates within 2006 but also a series of criteria and requirements which Turkey must implement”, he added.
Asked if there is momentum on Cyprus, Koumoutsakos reminded that there is the common statement issued after the meeting in Paris between Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in February.
“This document provides the power to proceed with the preparation of a procedure that could finally lead to a solution. Bearing this in mind, we have talked about a new dynamic and a momentum because it is really a basis that can be used by all who at times have stated that they are interested for a solution and to restart the effort”, the Greek FM spokesman added.
He also said that FM Dora Bakoyiannis’ statements confirm the unyielding positions of Greece concerning Turkey’s obligation to respond to the criteria and preconditions set out by the EU.
As far as the Annan Plan is concerned, he said, “the Greek side has said that the basis for negotiations should be the acquis communautaire and the UN Security Council and General Assembly decisions and resolutions on Cyprus”.
The Annan Plan, as it is, was put before referenda, failed to lead to a solution, “therefore based on the logic that every effort should provide guarantees for a solution, that specific plan is considered history”, Koumoutsakos added.
