Strasbourg, 01/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - During a debate on Turkey's candidacy at the European Parliament on Thursday morning, Commissioner Günter Verheugen mentioned the result of negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus. "I've just come from Switzerland" where negotiations on the adoption of the second option have just finished, which consists of agreeing to the referendum on the Anan Plan, explained Mr Verheugen, who pointed out that the first option could have led directly to an agreement between the two sides in Cyprus. The Commissioner warned that "there is this plan and no other solution" but was pleased that this plan did not included a permanent derogation on the Community acquis.
During a press conference, Günter Verheugen explained that the issue of free movement of capital and future acquisitions in the northern part of the island, which posed a problem, included a fifteen year transition period for the implementation of the Community acquis. Verheugen pointed to the next stages: approval of the plan by the three powerful guarantors (Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom); the organisation of a donors conference; referendum on 24 April on both sides of the island; the adoption of the adaptation act by the Council on 26 April; accession of the reunited island on 1 May; phasing in process for the north. The Commissioner made a lengthy appeal for the approval of the plan and underlined the fact that, "nobody believes a new window of opportunity is possible in a foreseeable future". He highlighted the fact that during German unification, the question of property was not the main subject and acknowledged that Greek Cypriots were not in favour of the Annan Plan according to recent polls. Verheugen noted that president Papadopoulos "will not come back from Nicosia empty-handed". In answer to a question on the Commission's attitude on the commercial isolation of the north, notably in cases where the Greek Cypriot part blocked reunification, Verheugen considered that it was necessary to examine the issue pragmatically and find a "creative solution". He added that the Commission was ready for this.
In Brussels, the High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana therefore spoke on the decision of Kofi Anna following the breakdown of talks in Switzerland, "The UN Secretary General yesterday night decided to submit the plan negotiated between the parties for a settlement in Cyprus to referenda on 24 April. I wish to congratulate Kofi Anna and his Special Envoy, Alvaro de Soto, for the formidable work they have performed. These referenda will offer the occasion to write a new page in the history of an island too long divided. The future now lies in the ands of the people of Cyprus themselves and of their leaders. The European Council recalled last week its conviction that a just, viable and functional settlement is achievable by 1 May. All Cypriots now rise to the challenge".