Brussels, 09/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Cypriot government has opposed the opening of direct trade between the North of the island, which it does not control, and the European Union. This measure is the most symbolic of those proposed on Wednesday by the European Commission to put an end to the economic embargo to which the Turkish Cypriots are subjected (EUROPE of 8 July, p.14). Cyprus, however, agrees with all other proposals.
"We are in favour of funding measures to improve the economic situation of the Turkish Cypriots, to the tune of 259 million EUR. We ourselves have taken economic development measures. We agree with the 'green line' proposal for the free movement of goods between North and South, and with the issuing of certificates of origin by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce", but "we are against direct trade with the European Union", explained a Cypriot diplomat.
This diplomat went on to explain that his country cannot accept the direct trade proposal "based as it is on article 133, which regulates trade with third countries, as Cyprus is not a third country, it is a Member State of the European Union, the northern part of which is occupied by another country". This diplomat stated that opening trade between North and South "is a good solution for the Turkish Cypriots, as trade is possible via the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, all products can be exported via the Couth, by official ports and airports, with a certificate from the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce".
The Republic of Cyprus cannot block the direct trade proposal on its own, as the adoption of this text does not require unanimity, but qualified majority. "We will use all diplomatic means to stop this proposal from getting through as it stands. The President has indicated that if it is adopted by the Council, we will bring the matter before the Court of Justice, as a very last resort", continued the Cypriot diplomat.
Pre-empting the European Union, the United States indicated on Thursday, via the spokesperson for the Department of State, Richard Boucher, that they would soon be announcing aid to the North of the island.