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Prime INTERNATIONAL 05.03.2004 Monday ALL NEWS National Solana: You Don't Have a Cyprus Issue Anymore Economy

International The Council Secretary-General and Politics Common Foreign and Security High Representative, Javier Solana, spoke to Zaman on Friday, hours before Sports the historic May 1 E.U. Enlargement officially took place. Columnists Solana answered Zaman's questions in , and most notably said that as far as its E.U. relations were concerned, Commentary no longer has a Cyprus issue. Interviews Solana also said that the E.U. has taken initial steps to end the isolation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). More Print Edition steps will follow soon, but Solana thinks that recognizing TRNC at Magazine this stage would be a mistake. Showcase The E.U. High Representative imparted some hope for Turkey, saying that he felt a Cypriot Greek veto in the E.U. December Culture & summit of a possible positive decision about Turkey's Society membership is less likely. Solana maintained his extra careful Series manner about the E.U.'s answer to Turkey in the December summit, but he did say that Ankara is regarded very positively TR at a Glance because of its efforts in Cyprus. Contact Solana emphasized that after the April 24 Cyprus referenda, the About Us Cyprus issue no longer has to affect Turkey-E.U. relations. In other words, Turkey does not have a Cyprus issue with the E.U. Message to henceforth. Editor "The decision about Turkey will be taken solely based upon the Copenhagen Criteria. As of now, the intentions of the Turks in North appear crystal clear. The stance of the Turkish government has been clear and positive. Now, I can say that the Island is no longer an obstacle for Turkey-E.U. relations. Turks tried to contribute to the solution. The Commission report that stated the issue would continue to be a serious obstacle for the E.U. aspirations of Turkey was from long ago, very long ago. I don't know if a declaration in this direction will come up in the June summit. However, I could say that every one was highly impressed by the Turkish leaders' approach and manner of conduct." http://www.zaman.com/?hn=8154&bl=international (1 of 3) [3/05/04 16:33:19] ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (200405038154)

Meanwhile, Solana is of the opinion that recognizing TRNC would be a mistake. He said recognition would only serve to make certain the division of the Island. When confronted with the question, "By saying 'No', did not the Greeks already make this mistake themselves?", Solana replied: "Just because some one made a mistake does not mean the other should be given a chance to make a mistake as well." 'Greek leaders spoiled the gentlemen's agreement' Solana blamed the Greek leaders for ruining the gentlemen's agreement that was made with the E.U. He stressed that the relations between North of the Island and the E.U. will no longer be same. "The South of the Island did not respect the gentlemen's agreement. But, we have to respect the results. If the result had been the opposite, that is if the North would have said 'No', we would have had to respect the decision. The real trouble for me was the position of the leaders from the South of the Island. They snubbed the gentlemen's agreement." He reiterated that the situation on the Island has changed when compared to a month ago and that the North and E.U. relations will follow a different course. "As of now, we are taking measures to end the isolation of North; however, these are intermediary measures, the real solution is unification of the Island," concluded Solana. 01.05.2004

05.01.2004 Selcuk Gultasli Brussels

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● Sharon Loses 'Vote of Confidence'

http://www.zaman.com/?hn=8154&bl=international (2 of 3) [3/05/04 16:33:19] ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (200405038154)

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