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17 February 2004
Source: Haravgi
Author:
We are entering the last and most difficult phase
"there are aspects in the plan in need of improvement to make the solution more functional and compatible with the European preconditions, with the so-called 'European Acquis.' This will be the focus of the negotiation. And it will be a very tough negotiation." George Papandreou, Pasok leader
Our aim is a functional and viable solution compatible with the EU
Acquis
PASOK leader George Papandreou characterized the decision for
resumption of the talks in Cyprus, next Thursday, as “very important”
because “we are possibly entering the last and most difficult phase of
the negotiations for a Cyprus solution.”
In his interview with Alpha TV, Mr. Papandreou pointed out that
Greece’s firm ambition was “that the European Union would play a role,”
adding that “we wouldn’t have these developments, which we sought, if we
hadn’t achieved the accession of Cyprus, in fact without a prior
solution to the political problem.”
He mentioned that Greece requested the presence of the European
Union, but “not as a negotiator. We don’t want the European Union to be a
negotiator. The UN, Kofi Annan, is the negotiator.”
“We are talking about a procedure under the auspices of the UN, and
thus of the UN decisions, with an essential participation of the
European Union. As for the participation of the two countries, Greece
and Turkey, it is imperative in case of pending issues. It is also
imperative, according to the Annan Plan, for security issues. So, we are
talking about an entirely different scheme on which we also had an
understanding with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos
Papadopoulos, with whom we enjoy a harmonious collaboration,” he said.
To a question whether there is any danger that Cyprus EU accession
could be connected in any way with the solution to the Cyprus issue once
more, Mr. Papandreou gave a negative answer.
“We managed to turn the accession of Cyprus into a positive
negotiation tool for us, for the Greek-Cypriot side and for the Greek
side. The accession is virtually over. There is no question of
non-accession of Cyprus. So the point is whether the other side wants to
have a reunited Cyprus entering the EU or not,” PASOK leader
underlined.
He noted that “we are in a very strong negotiating position. What
is needed is serious preparation. This already exists but constant
preparation is needed for any developments regarding the opening of
negotiations so as to have the best viable and fair solution.”
To a question whether the Annan plan is viable, Mr. Papandreou said
that “there are various organs. There are various forms of
participation and various majorities. The Annan plan is based on
principles, which are to the agreement of both the Greek and the
Greek-Cypriot side. This was a prerequisite, common sovereignty was
another. Other than that, there are aspects in the plan in need of
improvement to make the solution more functional and compatible with the
European preconditions, with the so-called “European Acquis.” This will
be the focus of the negotiation. And it will be a very tough
negotiation.”
Asked whether there is any chance of overturning the prescribed
course of the Cyprus issue, if New Democracy wins the elections in
Greece, Mr. Papandreou said that “if New Democracy wins the elections, a
different course could be followed in many fields.”"
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