2.22.2008
News from Cyprus
UNSG spokesperson: Moller still in charge in Cyprus
UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Michael Moller remains in charge in Cyprus, UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson Michelle Montas has said. Montas was invited to comment on reports according to which Moller is leaving his post. She was also asked whether there would be a replacement since some names to replace him were mentioned in the press. “These are in the domain of rumors. At this point Mr. Moller is still in charge”, she noted.
CYPRUS MAIL
Direct property sales to be offered by north
The Turkish Cypriot side plans to expand the powers of the controversial property commission to allow Greek Cypriots to sell their properties directly to Turkish Cypriots... The new move is designed to make it easier for Greek Cypriots who would be able to sell their properties to Turkish Cypriots, sources at the north’s Immovable Properties Commission said yesterday. Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, a source within the Commission said the change in the law would mean that Greek Cypriots who own property in the north will be able to apply, along with a potential Turkish Cypriot buyer, to the Commission in order that a sale recognized by the north’s authorities can take place... The move appears likely to further anger the Cyprus government which discourages Greek Cypriots from approaching the commission to ask for reinstatement of their property rights in the north.
CYPRUS MAIL
‘If you want a political party, quit the Church’
Former President George Vasiliou yesterday called on Archbishop Chrysostomos to step down as Church leader and form a party of his own if his conviction was to enter politics. Vasiliou chastised the Archbishop for his involvement in the presidential elections, describing his support for one of the candidates as “unacceptable” and “sad.”
CYPRUS MAIL
‘Just because reunification is a possibility, it doesn’t mean it is a probability’
Global intelligence service Stratfor warned yesterday that Papadopoulos’ ouster from the presidential race did not necessarily mean plain sailing for the international community towards a solution. “Just because reunification is a possibility does not mean it is a probability,” Stratfor said in its intelligence report on Cyprus sent out on Tuesday. The report said Papadopoulos lost by an extremely narrow margin... “This means that his constituency accounted for 164,000 votes out of 516,000 registered voters, and that he fell short of his opponents by about 8,000 and 9,000 votes, respectively,” said Stratfor. “These numbers reveal that a sizeable chunk of Cyprus’ electorate approves of his anti-unification platform, which called for the permanent scrapping of the U.N. A new referendum on reunification would have to overcome this formidable obstacle, and no one knows whether the new president will be capable of guiding the public through such a difficult process.” Strafror’s assessment echoes comments made last week to the Cyprus Mail by a western diplomat who warned that the international community should not be naive and to think that everything would be so much easier if someone other than Papadopoulos was elected. “A large portion of those who did not vote for Papadopoulos still will expect the reunification plan if it emerges, and regardless of who holds the presidency - to fall unequivocally in line with Cyprus` strategic aims,” said the Stratfor report. “Considering that Cyprus is by far the most substantial barrier to friendly EU-Turkish relations, the potential transformation of Nicosia from a stalwart barrier to a partial advocate would turn the entire EU-Turkey relationship on its head. “Because Papadopoulos acted decisively in urging Cypriots to reject the U.N. reunification plan in 2004, his election loss seems to offer new prospects for the reunification of the island. But these prospects will remain in limbo until after elections and the new President’s inauguration, the report added. The US State Department also commented briefly on last Sunday’s election. “The people of Cyprus are going to have to make a decision about who leads them in the future, who is their – who are their elected officials that set the policies for that country,” said spokesman Sean McCormack at his daily press briefing in Washington. “Let’s let that process play out in full. Let’s let that person take office and set whatever changes or not to policy in this regard and then we’ll deal with those facts. But there’s still a way to go in terms of this political process playing out.”
CYPRUS MAIL
‘We will choose who represents the best chance of a solution’
For the first time in the history of the Republic of Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots living in the south have the right to vote in the presidential elections. There are currently 390 Turkish Cypriot registered voters, with 148 living in Limassol... “This is the first time that I’ve had the right to vote in presidential elections,” said Ayhan Mehmet, who has been living in Limassol for the past 20 years. “We were also able to vote in the last parliamentary and local elections, due to a decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the rights of Turkish Cypriots living in the Republic of Cyprus,” he added. “Before that I was in a very difficult situation. I was living here in Limassol without having the right to vote. This was a human rights issue,” Mehmet explained. “Of course we want a solution that unites our country. Cyprus is such a small place and we cannot have two states, we want one state with two communities. We want to live together like we did before,” Mehmet said. “We want peace and a united country, not two states,” added Yilmaz Assik. Assik has also been living in Limassol for 20 years. “My father was from Limassol and I came secretly here from the north when I was16 years old, before the opening of the borders.” Assik argued that a left-wing president is more likely to bring a solution. “I will vote for AKEL, as I always do. I believe AKEL is closer to the Turkish Cypriot community. Whenever we have a problem and we go to them, they have always helped us,” he explained. “Left-wing organisations have always been more supportive of the Turkish Cypriots,” added Florentzos, the Greek Cypriot owner of a coffee shop in Limassol’s Turkish quarter, a meeting point for the men of the Turkish-Cypriot community. “If a Turkish Cypriot goes down the road to the coffee shops of right-wing clubs, he will not be welcomed. For any solution to work we must eliminate this two per cent in the Greek Cypriot population who have extreme nationalist ideas,” Florentzos said. “I haven’t had any problems,” Assik clarified. “I have work and a house. I’m doing well. We have been living side by side for so many years and I don’t see any reason why we should fight” “What I want is peace,” he added. “We want things to be like they were before when we were all living together. We want to say ‘yes’ to a solution.” Another man at the coffee shop, who wished not to be named, said that he was unsure on where he should go to vote and said that nobody had informed him on how to vote. Ayhan Mehmet, who said he has been acting as an unofficial representative of the local community, told the Cyprus Mail that Limassol’s Turkish Cypriot community will gather before the elections, either on today or tomorrow, so that they can come to a collective decision on who to vote for. “We will decide together and vote as a community,” he said. “We have not been approached or been promised anything by any party or candidate. We will be following the news very closely this week to see which candidate is closer to the Turkish Cypriots before we make our decision. We will choose based on who represents the best chance for a solution, who can provide security to our community, who will help us to continue to live here,” Mehmet said.
BLOOMBERG
Cypriot Election Will Clear Way for Island's Unification Talks
Greek Cypriots will pick one of two pro-unification candidates in a presidential election that likely will produce fresh attempts to end the division of the eastern Mediterranean island... Demetris Christofias, 61, leader of the communist Akel party and a Soviet-trained historian, says his ties to those Turkish Cypriots will help mediate a solution. Ioannis Kasoulides, 59, a member of the European Parliament for the Disy party, promises that his European Union connections will aid him in pushing for unification. ``The first-round vote means that a majority of Cypriots want to break the stalemate,'' said Alexandros Lordos, a professor of political and social studies at the University of Nicosia. Both candidates ``have the good will to solve it.''... As president, Papadopoulos led Greek Cypriots' rejection of a United Nations reunification plan four years ago. Talks to end the island's division between Greek- and Turkish-controlled parts have since halted. Both Christofias and Kasoulides pledge to resume discussions with the UN and Turkish Cypriots... ``Kasoulides is probably better placed to create the right international climate within which a solution can be achieved, while Christofias has traditionally maintained cordial contacts with the Turkish Cypriot community,'' Lordos said.... Turkish Cypriots say they are ready to discuss reunification. Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has said Papadopoulos's defeat ``raises hopes that the deadlock in negotiations can be overcome.'' Neshe Yasin, a poet and teacher of Turkish literature at the University of Cyprus and one of about 390 Turkish Cypriots registered to vote, said she'll support Christofias. ``He is the one sending the strongest message to the Turkish Cypriot side in favor of a settlement, and he has good relations with the Turkish Cypriots,'' she said...
FINANCIAL MIRROR
EU launches school initiative for Turkish Cypriots
The EU “Schools’ Initiative for Innovation and Change” Grant Scheme will give grants of between EUR10.000 and EUR50.000 to primary and secondary schools in the northern part of Cyprus. Overall, up to EUR600.000 will be available. The grants are financed from the EUR259 million EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community. This grant scheme will offer support to the modernisation of the Turkish Cypriot community’s education sector by funding a range of activities including, amongst others, training courses, study visits, upgrading of materials and equipment. The aim of such activities is to promote the development of modern teaching and learning methods, to raise the capacity of educational practitioners, to improve the overall management of the educational system and to encourage networking between stakeholders. The grant scheme consists of two Strands: Strand A covers small-scale upgrading projects, whereas Strand B aims at long-term and capacity raising projects. Primary and secondary schools can jointly apply for activities under Strand A and B, if such partnership is considered as bringing an added value or higher cost-efficiency.
Thursday, February 21
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Christofias' aim a viable settlement of Cyprus problem
Christofias said his aim was a viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem, which would reunite the state, the people, the institutions and the economy. Speaking at an election rally in support of his candidacy, Christofias said ''together we will pave the way for a just settlement of the Cyprus problem, a solution that the people themselves will approve in a referendum,'' adding that ''we are determined to fight so that the occupation force abandons its current expansionist policy,'' by turning to the UN, the EU, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Islamic world and the Turkish Cypriots. He stressed that the main support for Cyprus was Greece. ''Our steadfast aim remains a viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions, high level agreements, international and European law. A solution that will release our homeland from the occupation, division, settlers and any foreign dependencies. A solution that will reunite the state, the people, the institutions and the economy. A solution that will restore and guarantee the fundamental freedoms and human rights of our people,'' he said. Christofias added that the solution should be in the form of ''a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which of course involves political equality, as this is set out in UN resolutions.'' He said ''this Sunday we are called upon to choose among two radically different policies on the Cyprus problem and internal governance,'' adding that his own candidacy ''combines assertion with flexibility for a just settlement.'' Christofias said his candidacy is very different to the candidacy of Ioannis Kasoulides, his opponent in Sunday’s run off election, both regarding the Cyprus problem and internal governance, adding that ''in the forthcoming elections we are choosing a President who will be close to the people and who will care about their problems, who knows the problems and can give solutions.'' “We are a member state of the EU. This reality opens significant prospects and opportunities for us. We will utilise them,'' he said, adding that ''at the same time, within the EU, we have the right and duty to pursue the special interests of our homeland and our people. We will do this with determination and consistency.''
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Kasoulides' vision a free Cyprus in the heart of Europe
Kasoulides said his vision was a free Cyprus, a modern European state, with economic growth, social cohesion and social justice, a Cyprus in the heart of Europe, adding that his government would be one of ''national cooperation, with personalities from all political spheres, who share the vision of a modern, European Cyprus.'' Speaking at an election rally in support of his candidacy, Kasoulides said the rally sent ''a message of hope, optimism and change'', adding that ''the political momentum that led us to first place last Sunday is becoming stronger day by day.'' He said ''a common goal unites us, to move forward, to look forward, to create once again hope and prospects for Cyprus,'' adding that he was asking for the people's vote ''in the name of a common national vision,'' that of ''a free Cyprus, a modern European state, with economic growth, social cohesion and social justice, a Cyprus in the heart of Europe.'' ''I ask for your support and cooperation on a programme with specific positions and values. On the most modern and comprehensive programme that has ever been submitted before the people of Cyprus,'' he pointed out, adding that he has spoken ''openly and clearly on how we will proceed regarding our national programme, how our country will have the upper hand, how we will gain unity of goals, how we will set out a common course and will find channels of understanding with the Turkish Cypriots.'' Kasoulides said he was the first to speak about ''national understanding and the necessity for a national framework solution agreement, a text on which we all agree,'' adding that he wanted a solution ''made to fit all of us.'' ''I spoke first about the need to mobilise Europe again, convince Europe of our intentions and bring her on our side once again, to win back our prestige and credibility, our diplomatic and moral advantage,'' he said, adding that ''Turkey must make its choice, since it may enter Europe as a partner but never as an invader.'' He added that ''if Turkey's stance does not change by the year 2009, if it does not show true signs of cooperation, we will not hesitate to use even our veto in its course towards Europe,'' noting that ''the interests of Cyprus are linked to Turkey's European course.'' Kasoulides said the main difference between himself and Christofias was that ''my views look to the future, while his relegate to a world that has collapsed.”
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
ADIK calls on followers to vote freely in elections
The Struggling Democratic Movement (ADIK) decided on Thursday to call on its members and followers to decide and act freely and according to their conscience in the second round of presidential elections. ADIK President Dinos Michaelides said, after a party meeting, that since there were different views about who to support in the run off election, he proposed that the Movement should call on its followers to vote according to their free will, a suggestion that was accepted.
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE
Communist leads to become Cyprus president
Cyprus election frontrunner Demetris Christofias could make history by becoming the divided island’s first communist president when he faces off against his conservative rival on Sunday. The AKEL communist party boss has a clear advantage in the race after securing the backing of two other parties despite differing views over peace talks with the Turkish Cypriots. “He should feel happy with the support he’s got but this will not be an easy battle for anyone,” professor of international relations at Cyprus University Joseph Joseph told AFP. “Christofias will be the winner but it’s going to be a close race.” The centre-right DIKO party of outgoing President Tassos Papadopoulos, who was dumped by voters in last Sunday’s first round, urged its supporters to back Christofias in the run-off against conservative Ioannis Kasoulides. Socialist EDEK also urged its members to vote for Christofias. Their combined forces would give the AKEL chief more than 58 percent if the electorate votes along the same lines as in the 2006 parliamentary polls... If successful, the Soviet-educated Christofias would become the European Union’s only communist head of state in a presidential system under which he wields real power... Alarmed at such a prospect, the leader of the Cyprus Orthodox Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, urged people to vote for Kasoulides over fears that religious education would be scrapped from the school curriculum. But he quickly came under fire from the communist camp, with Christofias calling the comments a slur and stating categorically that he had never contemplated abolishing religious education. “I’m not sure Kasoulides getting the support of the archbishop is good for him,” Joseph noted. “Most people in a European Cyprus are not very enthusiastic today to see this kind of involvement on behalf of the church -- more people will be unhappy than happy about this.” MEP Kasoulides, 59, narrowly won the first round, 1,000 votes ahead of Christofias, 61. But it was Christofias who later secured the support of backers of Papadopoulos, who came a close third. Both Christofias and Kasoulides have pledged to renew efforts to find a settlement to the 34-year division of Cyprus and end the stalemate that followed the Greek Cypriot rejection of a UN reunification plan four years ago. Papadopoulos came under fire from European and UN mediators for leading the the Greek Cypriot “no” vote in an April 2004 referendum on the peace plan when the Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly backed it. Kasoulides supported a “yes” vote in the referendum. Christofias urged “no” purely on tactical grounds, and has since called for an intensification of negotiations with the Turkish Cypriots that went nowhere with Papadopoulos at the helm. Both EDEK and DIKO are firmly in the “no” camp, however, taking a tougher line on the Cyprus issue than AKEL, which has since independence from Britain in 1960 played the role of kingmaker in most Greek Cypriot administrations. European diplomats, who were dismayed at the referendum result which meant a divided island joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, heaved a sigh of relief at the incumbent’s first-round defeat. Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has said the result had raised hopes that the deadlock in the negotiations could be overcome. Christofias would be the country’s first ever communist president, even though his party is the island’s largest with 18 seats in parliament after topping the last election in 2006 with 31.1 percent of the vote.
COMMENTARY
EKATHIMERINI
The underlying issue in Cyprus by Nikos Xydakis
“The three-way split of voters in the first round of presidential elections on Cyprus and the exclusion of Tassos Papadopoulos by the narrowest of margins is open to several different interpretations. In Greece, Papadopoulos’s numerous enemies, most of whom fervently support the Annan Plan, rejoiced at the electoral defeat of the last representative of the Cypriot national liberation struggle. These hostile analysts have still not forgiven him for his dramatic speech on the eve of the 2004 referendum on the Annan Plan, for a speech that other commentators have called historic because it led to 76 percent of Cypriots voting against the UN blueprint for reunification. It has been said that Papadopoulos’s defeat in 2008 is a criticism of the “No” vote he elicited in 2004. Nothing could be further from the truth, either politically or historically. The presidential elections and the referendum are two radically different processes – in the latter case the people are called upon to deliberate on the future and they expressed themselves beyond political affiliations. In the elections, the people spoke in terms of the present and the vote was fairly split three ways. The stakes here were not a here-and-now solution to everything, and none of the three candidates presented such a platform, not even the outgoing president who made a series of tactical errors in his campaign. There is no doubt, though, that what is ultimately at issue is a solution. A solution based on a revised version of the Annan Plan, or a solution based on a radically new strategy which will be appropriate to 21st-century geopolitics and Cyprus’s modern face. The “No” vote did not bring disaster. Nor is the election of a new president, even one who does not belong to the historical 76 percent, a disaster. Greek Cypriots have proved that despite all hardships they will always survive."
2.21.2008
Venerdì alla TV delle libertà
More News from Cyprus
TRNC NEWS HEADLINES
TALAT: “MY EXPECTATION IS TO PREVENT THE PERMANENT DIVISION OF THE ISLAND ”
President Mehmet Ali Talat said that the only expectation of him from the elections in the South was the prevention of the repetition of the process gone through in the past four years. The President said: “My expectation is to meet with a new leader who is looking to the future with hope in the light of UN parameters to prevent the division of the island from becoming permanent”
He said that the Greek Cypriot People voted in favor of real progress on the Cyprus issue and expressed the hope that he will soon start negotiations with a new Greek Cypriot Leader to bring about a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.
Talat said that if Cassoulides wins the second ballot he said he shall realise his first visit to Talat and he added that he would be very much pleased to host him and that the same was valid for Christofias.
GREEK CYPRIOTS SHALL BE ABLE TO SELL THEIR PROPERTIES IN TRNC
After the right to apply to the Immovable Property Commission for the exchange, compensation and reinstitution of their properties in the North in order to solve the property issue in Cyprus , Greek Cypriots are going to be given the right to sell their properties under a new law.
According to the draft law which started to be discussed at the Law and Political Affairs Committee of the TRNC Assembly yesterday, related property should have no title deed and should be possessed for at least 3 years then it can be sold to the possessor by the old owner Greek Cypriot.
News from Cyprus
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
European Party decides not to support either candidate in Cyprus elections
The European Party who has three seats in Parliament decided not to support any of the two candidates in the run off election for President of the Republic on Sunday. The party’s Political Bureau had earlier decided to suggest to the Central Council that members do not support either Kasoulides or Christofias for the presidency of the Republic. A total of 332 members voted in favour of the proposal, nine were against and there was one abstention. In statements European Party chairman Demetris Syllouris said the party, with “clear principles and dignity, notes it is present in the island’s political life and will exercise quality opposition and a positive approach to any proposals by the executive authority”. Syllouris also said his party is ready to face the hard times that are ahead for Cyprus. Earlier Wednesday, the Movement of Social Democrats EDEK decided to support the candidacy of Christofias in Sunday’s final round of presidential elections in Cyprus.
CYPRUS MAIL
Kasoulides voting ‘yes’ cost him DIKO backing
The refusal of Kasoulides to repent for his ‘yes’ vote on the Annan plan cost him the backing of centre-right party DIKO, said its leader Marios Karoyan yesterday. Karoyan tried to dispel rumours that the Presidential Palace had interfered in the final decision to back Christofias, pointing to the ghost of the 2004 referendum as the deciding factor. “We would have liked, so we could have taken the next important step with Mr Kasoulides, for him to have dealt with the issue of the Annan plan,” said Karoyan. “(To give) a stronger message, that his evaluation and judgement were wrong back then, not to belittle him, but to get the guarantees that would have reassured party members, because these are crucial issues,” he added. At the end of the day, Kasoulides voted ‘yes’ and Christofias ‘no’, said Karoyan. The DIKO leader noted that Christofias seemed to satisfy the party’s concerns on how he would approach the Cyprus problem, even though he wasn’t a first choice president. By backing Christofias, the party did not move one iota from its positions on the Cyprus problem and economy. Their four and a half years of cooperation in government also played a role, he added. The resumption of the AKEL-DIKO partnership and Karoyan’s latest comments raise pertinent questions as to what exactly were the differences between AKEL and DIKO that led the former to abandon their alliance. Kasoulides’ spokesman Loucas Fourlas described Karoyan’s statement as nothing but an “apology” for following party interest over the interests of the country. He argued that the country’s interests were in economic stability, highlighting AKEL’s parliamentary vote against entry to the eurozone. DIKO’s decision to back Christofias over Kasoulides on Tuesday night shocked many of its supporters who had expected the party to stay right of the political spectrum. Reports were rife on Tuesday that the party leadership, including Karoyan, had decided on Kasoulides. When the announcement came after midnight that the party had swung left to support Christofias, a number of party members were stunned. Media reports were filled with speculation that Papadopoulos had a big hand in the final decision, despite his earlier declaration of neutrality in this Sunday’s election runoff. The main officials pushing for Christofias during the marathon meetings came from Papadopoulos’ inner circle, including government spokesman Vasilis Palmas, Kyriacos Kenevezos and Nicos Pittokopitis, raising suspicions that the outgoing president had more to do with the outcome than he let on. One paper even reported that Karoyan had phone conversations with Papadopoulos and Christofias just before convening the party’s central committee, which played a decisive role in his apparent change of heart. Palmas yesterday said the rumours were “insulting”, stressing that claims of interference by Papadopoulos were not true. Former candidate Costas Themistocleous countered that anyone who believed Papadopoulos had no say in the matter, did not live on the island. Asked yesterday what had made him change his mind, Karoyan insisted that no decision had been taken to support Kasoulides at any point, but rather a discussion was held on the pros and cons of both candidates. He said it was not just a question of what DIKO could get from either candidate in terms of government participation but also how both candidates responded to Papadopoulos’ views on the Cyprus problem. According to reports on the candidate’s stated positions, little separated them on the Cyprus problem as both vowed not to bring the Annan plan back on the table and both agreed with the July 8 2006 process as a starting point for any future negotiations. The DIKO leader acknowledged that both candidates agreed with most of the 18 points set by Papadopoulos in his manifesto. So what was it that separated the two candidates? Kasoulides refusal to show remorse for his ‘yes’ to the Annan plan and DISY’s stinging criticism of the Papadopoulos government was the answer, despite the fact Kasoulides vowed not to return to the Annan plan in future negotiations. Karoyan called on DIKO members to respect the party line and rally around Christofias this Sunday. His plea was echoed by EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, who also sought to quash rumours that he was secretly in favour of backing Kasoulides. Speculation was rife yesterday as to what price AKEL paid in getting DIKO’s support. The foreign ministry and House Presidency is a certainty, as confirmed by Karoyan. One source suggested that George Lillikas was given the foreign ministry while Andreas Mavroyiannis would remain Cyprus’ permanent representative at the UN and Tasos Tzionis, the head of the president’s Diplomatic Office would stay in charge of the negotiating team. AKEL’s Andros Kyprianou was categorical in his denial. “For God’s sake, AKEL has no connection with Mr Lillikas. This is not even funny.” On Tzionis and Mavroyiannis, he said: “AKEL had no such discussions with anyone at all. Absolutely not.”
CYPRUS MAIL
Kasoulides is given the blessing of the Church
Following the removal of former ally Papadopoulos from the election race, Archbishop Chrysostomos turned his support to Kasoulides. Putting the division of state and church aside, the religious leader called on his flock to vote Kasoulides. “We have already agreed the framework within which we will move on education and without reservation, as the Church we advise our people to vote en masse for Mr Kasoulides and we are sure of the cooperation we will have in the new five-year term,” said the archbishop. The church leader discussed his main concerns with the right-wing candidate, the Cyprus problem and education, before giving his ominous outlook on the fate of future generations. “(Kasoulides) agrees with the wishes of the church to have a say in education issues because if we lose our children who represent the hope of the future of this place, then nothing can save us,” he said. Christofias said he was saddened by the church’s decision to take sides. The AKEL candidate said he expected the archbishop to stick to announcements of “love and unity and that’s it”. He accused DISY of taking the political climate back decades by spreading rumours that the AKEL leader would end religious education in schools if elected, something which he categorically denied. On the heels of DIKO’s late night decision to back Christofias on Tuesday, Papadopoulos campaign manager Georgios Lillikas also announced his support for the communist leader yesterday. The former AKEL member said he was happy that a tripartite alliance between AKEL, DIKO and EDEK could rule the country again. Lillikas insisted he had not changed his colours, since he had always said Christofias would be his second choice if Papadopoulos was ousted. Meanwhile, EDEK last night announced its decision to back Christofias following a lengthy. The United Democrats officially backed Christofias for the second round yesterday as did Marcoullis. EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou officially announced his party’s decision to back the AKEL candidate, after the vast majority of the central committee voted in favour for Christofias. EVROKO president Demetris Syllouris was less forthcoming in his support for both candidates, urging his party members to vote “neither for Mr Christofias nor for Mr Kasoulides”. Asked whether this meant he was calling on EVROKO supporters to cast blank votes, Syllouris said: “Everyone can interpret this how they wish.” The remaining fringe parties, the Greens and ADIK, will meet today to decide how to guide their members on Sunday. Former presidential candidate Costas Themistocleous who garnered 753 votes last Sunday, threw his weight for what it’s worth behind the DISY front man. “We have never excused Mr Christofias of his responsibility with regard to the impasse, lack of action and negative developments,” he said referring to the Cyprus problem. Former Nicosia Mayor and business man Michalakis Zampelas also announced his support to Kasoulides, as did political maverick Prodromos Prodromou. The first leak from DIKO following the hotly debated decision to back left-wing candidate Christofias came in the form of legal advisor to the DIKO President, Yiannakis Ioannou who gave the nod to Kasoulides instead. “It is my personal decision and I think it is the decision of many DIKO officials. I want to clarify that we have been soldiers of DIKO for many years and as such we will support the candidacy of Mr Kasoulides,” said Ioannou. DIKO’s Maronite supporters also expressed defiance against following the party line. “I am sorry that some have not realized their choices are in direct conflict with the views and principles of DIKO’s party base,” said Michalis Kiteos, head of the Nicosia DIKO Maronites. However, DIKO hit back at the so-called defectors, claiming in a later announcement that no such organization existed within the DIKO ranks. More subterfuge was in the works for DIKO yesterday after DIKO official Andreas Constantinou had to state publicly he was not behind a text message doing the rounds which called on the party faithful to ignore DIKO’s decision to vote for Christofias. Instead he called on party members to ignore these provocations and follow the party line.
CYPRUS MAIL
New EC Head of Representation in Cyprus
The European Commission yesterday announced the appointment of Commission official Androulla Kaminara as Head of Representation in Cyprus. Kaminara, whose appointment will officially come into effect on April 16, currently serves as the EC’s Director for Quality of Operations in “Europe Aid”. “Mrs Kaminara has a long standing and varied career in the Commission at high political level including the private offices of several Commissioners. She has negotiated agreements with partner countries and with international organisations, with professionalism and diplomatic skills,” an EC announcement read yesterday. “The Commission is pleased to have selected such an outstanding official with such wide experience as Ms Kaminara. Her communication talents will be of great service to the Commission in its work in Cyprus.”
Wednesday, February 20
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Socialists supports Christofia’s candidacy
The Movement of Social Democrats EDEK has decided to support the candidacy of Christofias in Sunday’s second and final round of presidential elections in Cyprus. The members of EDEΚ Central Committee were called to decide on the Political Bureau’s proposal to back Christofias candidacy. A total of 109 members of EDEK’s Central Committee voted for Christofias’ candidacy, five voted against and two abstained. EDEK President Yiannakis Omirou told the press that “the decision was taken after a long meeting during which a constructive and democratic spirit prevailed”. The decision was primarily based on the stance of the two candidates during the April 2004 referendum, Omirou noted.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Russia's stance on Cyprus problem unchanged
Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov has said that his country supports negotiations aiming at the unification of Cyprus.Lavrov also said that Russia would not change its stance regarding the role of the UN and its respect towards UN resolutions in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Babacan, Lavrov said ''we will support the negotiating process so that the sides agree on how to implement UN resolutions and how to restore Cyprus' unity with consensus and taking into consideration the interests of all sides.'' According to the Russian news agency RIA-Novosti, Lavrov said that Moscow’s stance on a Cyprus settlement remains the same. “A solution should be sought on the basis of UN decisions and with the agreement of all interested sides,” he added.
COMMENTARY
CYPRUS MAIL
Flawed election system needs to be addressed
“The horse-trading we have witnessed in the last three days, with the losing parties offering their electoral support to the highest bidder, does not paint a very flattering picture of political life. It serves as a reminder that the main concern of the political parties is to secure as big a share of the spoils of power as possible, an objective made easier by a flawed election system.
This is a system that allows the loser of the presidential elections to act like the victor and dictate his terms, in exchange for votes, on the winning candidates ahead of the second round of the election. Indicative of this perverse situation is that both candidates contesting Sunday’s election, visited the losing candidate, President Papadopoulos on Monday, to pay their respects and ask for his electoral support. They then visited the presidential party DIKO for talks with its leader. In a rational political system, it would have been the other way round, but because the winner of the presidential elections needs to receive 50 per cent plus one of the vote a second Sunday run-off is usually needed and the intervening period is used by the defeated parties to sell their support to the highest bidder. It is in this context we should view DIKO’s 180-degree turn after Tuesday lunchtime. Before lunchtime, DIKO leader Marios Karoyian had indicated that he had struck a deal with Ioannis Kasoulides, a decision that was opposed by Papadopoulos’ closest aides in the party and subsequently overturned. DIKO had every right to change its decision, but it also had an obligation to tell its voters why it had done so. More importantly, the man who benefited the most from this decision, Demetris Christofias, needs to inform voters what he offered the Papadopoulos camp in exchange for its support. Could he perhaps have agreed to follow the same disastrous policies on the Cyprus problem as Papadopoulos? If so, the voters deserve to know about it as Christofias took a third of the public vote on Sunday on the strength of his pledge to follow a different policy on the Cyprus problem than Papadopoulos’ which had taken us to the verge of partition. According to reliable sources Christofias struck a deal directly with the president (so much for the latter’s public assurances that he would “not directly or indirectly influence the elections”), who reportedly demanded that the AKEL leader maintained the Papadopoulos aides – diplomats Andreas Mavroyiannis and Tasos Tzionis – in their current posts as well as in the negotiating team. In short, Papadopoulos, despite being ousted by the voters, could still have a say on the handling of the Cyprus problem through his aides. Perhaps Christofias will change his mind, if elected, and not keep his side of the bargain, but what if he sticks to it? The voters have the right know the content of his deal with Papadopoulos before this Sunday’s election. After all, DIKO has said that it would back Christofias because of assurances he gave regarding the handling of the national problem. The fact is that Christofias was desperate for DIKO’s support in order to have a chance of winning on Sunday and could have promised Papadopoulos anything in order to secure it.”
2.20.2008
News from Cyprus
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
DIKO to support Christofias candidacy
The Democratic Party has decided to support the candidacy of Christofias in Sunday’s second and final round of presidential elections. During voting that took place among the members of DIKO Central Committee, 112 members voted for Christofias’ candidacy and 50 in favour of Kasoulides’ candidacy. Nine abstained and another nine cast a blank vote. The result of the vote was announced at one o’ clock in the morning today after a meeting of the Central Committee which lasted more than seven hours, which was convened after meetings of the Secretariat and the Executive Bureau of the party. DIKO President Marios Karoyian said that “everybody in the Democratic Party will support the candidacy which the majority of the Central Committee voted for” adding that this decision serves the interests of the country and the party. In a first reaction to DIKO’s decision, in a statement on behalf of Kasoulides’ electoral bureau Tasos Mitsopoulos said that DIKO’s decision is respected. At the same time he said that Kasoulides’ candidacy is supported by citizens from all political parties and expressed faith in the judgment of the people.
CYPRUS MAIL
All forgiven: DIKO backs Christofias
DIKO last night voted to rekindle its alliance with AKEL and EDEK by throwing its vote behind Christofias... Looking rough after a marathon session of meetings, DIKO leader Marios Karoyan told reporter: “The decision, we believe was in the best interest of the country and the party.” ... DIKO held discussions with both candidates. “As president of my party, I met, I talked and did what I was required to do for the country and the party,” said Karoyan. “It was a critical decision and not easy.” Reports said DIKO had been promised three ministries including the Foreign Ministry and the presidency of the House.... Reports said DIKO leadership had sought advice from the Presidential Palace but that Papadopoulos had repeated his earlier statements that he would back neither of his rivals... After five hours of discussions it was decided to resort to a secret ballot which ended after midnight... According to reports, party leader Marios Karoyan and long-time members Nicos Pittokopitis, Spokesman Vassilis Palmas and Kyriacos Kenevezou were behind Christofias. Other reports said one of the voices who spoke for joining Kasoulides was Marcos Kyprianou... Reacting after the vote, DISY spokesman Tassos Mitsopoulos acknowledged DIKO’s decision and called on Cypriots to look to the future. “Last Sunday a new era began in our country. The Cypriot people decided to leave the past behind and move forward,” he said. “Sunday’s decision will be critical. Are we going to be an EU state or a state of Eurosceptics... No one can afford to lose this chance to go forward.”
CYPRUS MAIL
AKEL: we shared a common path with Tassos
With only two candidates left in the election run off, the AKEL knives came out yesterday against Kasoulides. AKEL spokesman Andros Kyprianou defended Papadopoulos... He said on the other hand that Kasoulides and DISY leader Nicos Anastassiades had been offensive in their criticism of the outgoing president. “We may have disagreed with some of the President’s choices but we generally follow the same common course,” said Kyrprianou. “Our criticisms were soft and mainly constructive compared to those of Messrs Anastassiades and Kasoulides. Kyprianou also slammed the rival camp’s handling of the Cyprus issue and reared the spectre of the hated Annan Plan. “We seek a solution that would be consistent with international and European rights as well as international conventions on human rights that will foresee the withdrawal of Turkish troops and settlers, restore the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus and which will exclude the right of unilateral military intervention,” said Kyprianou. He added the party would also accept the political equality of the two communities as determined in UN resolutions. He then said the DISY camp would follow a different course and referred to their “thoughtless yes” to the Annan Plan.
Tuesday, February 19
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
FM: No reference on two separate states in GAERC text on Kosovo
Marcoullis said that Cyprus deems as important the fact the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) conclusions on Kosovo do not contain references pointing to the recognition of a separate state. Marcoullis made statements to the press after her arrival from Brussels where she participated in GAERC meeting which addressed the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by Kosovo last Sunday. ''For Cyprus it is important that the Council's conclusions include terms and references to the international law, the Security Council resolutions and certainly without any references pointing to a separate state in Kosovo,'' he said. Echoing the Cypriot FM's press release issued yesterday noting that the Kosovar UDI ''constitutes a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia,'' Marcoullis said that ''the developments are regretful.'' The Council conclusion notes that ''Member States will decide, in accordance with national practice and international law, on their relations with Kosovo.'' The conclusions do not include ''any references to recognition whatsoever and it is stressed in no uncertain terms that the member-states will decide according to their national practice and the international law,'' Marcoullis said. ''For us there is a strong reference to the commitment of member-states to the Security Council resolutions and of course that the case of Kosovo is considered as sui generis,'' Marcoullis concluded.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
UNFICYP to stay as long as necessary
The United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has said it will remain on the island as long as necessary. An UNFICYP press release, issued here today in response to press reports, said “reports in the English-language media today that the United Nations intended to pull out of Cyprus in the event of a victory by President Papadopoulos are totally baseless and irresponsible.” UNFICYP notes that “the United Nations has been in Cyprus for over four decades helping to keep the peace and assisting the parties in their search for a comprehensive solution.” “It will continue to do so as long as Cypriots and the international community deem it necessary”, it adds.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Papadopoulos: no involvement in Sunday’s poll
Papadopoulos, respecting the free will of the citizens of Cyprus, will not attempt to influence, either directly or indirectly, the vote of the citizens in the run off presidential elections. In a statement on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace, Papadopoulos assured that he would always be present, beside the people, in pursuit of the solution of the Cyprus problem that ''we deserve,'' adding that Cyprus has today favourable prospects and conditions for even better times. Papadopoulos said that “during my term in office and throughout my political career, my thoughts, my decisions and my actions have always emanated from my love for the country and my concern for the people.'' ''I deliver the Republic of Cyprus as an equal member of the EU with a robust economy, a fiscal surplus, with the euro as its currency, with a strengthened welfare state, with new institutions and changes that have made the everyday life of the citizens better. I deliver a Republic which is dignified and respected internationally, stronger than ever, to pursue and achieve the solution we deserve,'' he said. He added that ''our country has today favourable prospects and conditions for even better days.'' Papadopoulos noted that ''last Sunday the people chose the two candidates that will run for the presidency of the Republic of Cyprus in the second round of the elections.'' ''I have always addressed the citizens with respect to their judgment and their free will. It is precisely for this reason, again respecting the free will of each citizen, that I do not wish to attempt, either directly or indirectly, to influence in these elections the vote of the citizens who trust me,'' he said. He added that ''I will always be present, next to the people and with the people, in pursuit of the solution we are entitled to and deserve.'' Asked where he attributed the result of the first round of the elections, Papadopoulos said, ''To the judgment and will of the people, which is respected, fully respected, as their judgment will also be fully respected in the run off.''
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Wurtz welcomes Christofias' qualification for second round of elections
President of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left Group in the European Parliament Francis Wurtz has welcomed that fact that left-wing AKEL Secretary General Demetris Chrsitofias qualified for the second round of presidential elections in Cyprus, to take place February 24. “I welcome as very good news the fact that following the first round of presidential elections in Cyprus, Dimitris Christophias - Secretary General of the AKEL party - qualified for the second round of this decisive election for the future of the island, with the remarkable score of 33.3%!,” Wurtz said in a written statement. As he noted “this mark of confidence by his fellow citizens is a sign of recognition for the leading role that has been played by this statesman for a long time in the social and political life of his country and for the reunification of the island.” “In my capacity as President of the GUE-NGL Group in the European Parliament, I am proud to maintain excellent relations with Dimitris Christophias, his party and his MEPs. We wish you every success for next Sunday,” he concluded.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Germany and EPP congratulate Kasoulides for passing to run off elections
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the European People's Party (EPP) have expressed their congratulations to Ioannis Kasoulides, who has passed into the second round of the presidential elections... EPP President Wildfied Martens and President of the EPP Group in the European Parliament Joseph Daul have expressed in written statements their congratulations and support to Kasoulides. According to a Democratic Rally (DISY) press release, Martens expresses ''satisfaction over the fact that the people of Cyprus supported a candidate with a true European profile,'' adding that the EPP supported Kasoulides because ''he is the candidate that will bring Cyprus to the heart of Europe.'' Daul says in his statement, according to DISY, that Kasoulides ''is the statesman who can unite all political forces that contributed to the construction of the European prospect for Cyprus.'' According to DISY, an EPP member backing Kasoulides, Daul notes that the specific candidate, with his experience and strong international contacts, could give Cyprus a new European prospect through dialogue.
2.19.2008
Toglietegli il fiasco
(ANSA) - ROMA, 19 FEB - ''''E'' con sgomento che ho appreso che
il Governo italiano ha dato ordine alle unita'' di Polizia
militare della missione militare italiana in Kosovo di dare
esecuzione immediata agli ordini di cattura contro il presidente
della Repubblica e il Primo ministro del Kosovo emanato dal
Governo di Belgrado''''. Lo afferma il presidente emerito della
Repubblica Francesco Cossiga.
News from Cyprus
CYPRUS MAIL
UN planned to pull out had Tassos won
The UN was making plans to extricate itself from the Cyprus quagmire had Papadopoulos had been reelected next Sunday, the Cyprus Mail learned yesterday. Last month it emerged that the UN was planning to send a team of envoys to Cyprus after the elections to assess the situation on the ground... If Papadopoulos had been returned to power, the team’s assessment would have focused, not on new talks, but “to see how gracefully the UN could remove itself from Cyprus.” The move was “already in the works,” according to Mail’s information.
CYPRUS MAIL
EDEK set to back Christofias as horse-trading begins
Socialist EDEK last night backed Christofias for president in the second round of elections on Sunday. Following a lengthy meeting of the party’s political bureau, EDEK president Yiannakis Omirou told reporters he wold recommend that his party’s central committee support Christofias. The party’s central committee is expected to make its final decision when it convenes tomorrow... Earlier in the day the question on everybody’s mind was who would pair with whom and at what price to secure the presidency... Christofias and Kasoulides spent the day touring the political party scene, trying to secure the support of both DIKO and EDEK, while EVROKO and the Greens were left holding the balloons in the corner. There was much strutting ans wooing but little concrete signs as to where the former partners of the Papadopoulos government would go. Political analysts shared the view that whatever horse-trading and alliances were made, and they could go either way, the presidency was still up for grabs for both candidates as historically, DIKO and EDEK votes were always split. After meeting with Papadopoulos yesterday, Kasoulides told reporters that Papadopoulos said he would not be endorsing either candidate in the second round, nor would he tell his party DIKO how to vote.
CYPRUS MAIL
Kasoulides: results open path for hope
Kasoulides said yesterday that the people’s choice on Sunday had “opened the path to unity and hope for our country.”... Kasoulides said his main concern was bringing a new beginning for all Cypriots. “The things that unite us are far more than those that divide us,” he said. “We are united by the common desire for progress in our country; we are united by the national need for a fair and viable solution, a solution that will not be imposed from outside Cyprus, but will come from the Cyprus people themselves, who wish to live in peace, security and respect of its cultural identity in a unified and safe country.”... German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday expressed her satisfaction at Kasoulides’ lead in the first round of the elections. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin... Merkel refused to comment when asked whether Papadopoulos’ exclusion from re-election would open new positive prospects for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Wurtz welcomes Christofias' qualification for second round of elections
President of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left Group in the European Parliament Francis Wurtz has welcomed that fact that left-wing AKEL Secretary General Demetris Chrsitofias qualified for the second round of presidential elections in Cyprus, to take place February 24. “I welcome as very good news the fact that following the first round of presidential elections in Cyprus, Dimitris Christophias - Secretary General of the AKEL party - qualified for the second round of this decisive election for the future of the island, with the remarkable score of 33.3%!,” Wurtz said in a written statement. As he noted “this mark of confidence by his fellow citizens is a sign of recognition for the leading role that has been played by this statesman for a long time in the social and political life of his country and for the reunification of the island.” “In my capacity as President of the GUE-NGL Group in the European Parliament, I am proud to maintain excellent relations with Dimitris Christophias, his party and his MEPs. We wish you every success for next Sunday,” he concluded.
FINANCIAL TIMES
Turkey keeps quiet on Cyprus poll
Turkey gave a muted response yesterday to the defeat of Tassos Papadopoulos in the first round of voting in the presidential election in Cyprus, although some commentators said his defeat might open the way to ending the isolation of the island's Turkish Cypriot community...
There was no official reaction in the Turkish government. But the media were quick to hail the ousting of the man some referred to as "Mr No". Mr Papadopoulos is widely blamed in Turkey for repeatedly blocking efforts by the international community to end the 34-year division of Cyprus. "We will wait and see," said a Turkish official about next weekend's run-off vote between two candidates who favour moves to reunify Cyprus... During his time as Cypriot president, Mr Papadopoulos repeatedly blocked aspects of Turkey's negotiations to join the European Union, which Cyprus joined in 2004. He represented the internationally recognised government of the island. Turkey has defied EU attempts to get Ankara to acknowledge its existence so that Turkey's EU path will not be blocked.
TODAY’S ZAMAN
Katherine Clerides: We need resolution; otherwise KKTC gets recognition
Katherine Clerides, the daughter of legendary Greek Cypriot leader Glafkos Clerides and a board member of the party whose contender won the first round of the Greek Cypriot presidential elections on Sunday, says the Turkish Cypriot side currently holds an advantageous position in the Cyprus issue and that unless a plausible resolution to the dispute over the divided island is found, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) will secure international recognition.Emphasizing that the recent independence of Kosovo may set a precedent in the long run, despite it being an entirely different case, Clerides says the Greek Cypriots should aggressively seek a resolution to the problem before the division of the island becomes permanent. Amid speculation about the results of the upcoming round that will determine the next Greek Cypriot president on Sunday, Clerides, a member of the Democratic Rally party (DISY), spoke with Today’s Zaman. She says that if current KKTC President Mehmet Ali Talat had been president back when her father was the Greek Cypriot leader, they could have agreed on a permanent and lasting solution. The greatest fear of the DISY, which led a campaign back in 2004 to ensure approval of the Annan plan to resolve the Cyprus issue, is recognition of the KKTC by the international community. Clerides says: “If northern Cyprus is recognized, it joins Turkey. We will have to share a new border with Turkey. In that event, Turkish troops will stay on the island forever.” Clerides explains that they made reference to this fact during their election campaign. She says she was ill at ease about the diplomatic efforts of President Talat to attract international support for KKTC recognition and adds that these efforts will contribute to the recognition of a separate Turkish state on the island in the long run. Asserting that the Greek Cypriots are opposed the Annan plan but not to the resolution of the problem in general, Clerides says: “Most of them want a solution. They rejected the plan because they believed that it was more favorable to Turkey.” She holds that the resolution of the dispute depends on the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island and the return of the Turkish settlers who migrated to Cyprus after 1974. Clerides says a solution is possible as long as both parties express interest in negotiation. She argues that the election of Papadopulous as president would be the worst election result possible and stresses that the Greek Cypriots’ image in the international arena has been damaged by Papadopulous’ failures.
Monday, February 18
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Cyprus expresses grief on UDI of Kosovo
The Republic of Cyprus expresses its grief on the unilateral declaration of independence by the majority in Kosovo, which ''constitutes a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia''. A written statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo says that “this secessionist act falls outside the framework of international legality, and is therefore legally null and void, in violation of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and of Resolution 1244 of the Security Council (1999), which affirms the adherence of UN member states to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia”. The statement notes that the Republic of Cyprus, consistent with its principles, has supported and continues to support the view that international problems should be solved on the basis of the UN Charter and relevant Security Council Resolutions. “We are convinced that an agreed solution between the two parties on the final status of Kosovo can and should be found in the framework of a dialogue and negotiations, and should next be approved by the Security Council, the body which has the primary role in preserving international peace and safety”, it concludes.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
GAERC calls upon Turkey to normalize its relations with Cyprus
The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) ratified Monday the revised EU – Turkey Partnership Agreement in which Turkey is called upon to normalize its relations with the Republic of Cyprus as soon a possible. Among the short term priorities for Turkey is the implementation of the July 8th Agreement. The EU 27 call upon Turkey to support actively the Agreement as a basis for the promotion of a viable solution in Cyprus. The Partnership Agreement underlines Ankara’s obligations towards Cyprus and especially the need to implement the additional protocol regarding the Customs Union Agreement between Turkey and Cyprus as well as the lifting of the Turkish embargo imposed on vessels flying the Cypriot flag or Cypriot aircraft. It is also noted that the EU has decided not to open eight negotiating chapters or close any other chapter unless Turkey meets its obligations. According to the Agreement, Turkey must draft an action plan including the measures Ankara intends to take in order to meet its obligations. Turkey is also urged to proceed to reforms on human rights as well as settle its international obligations.
COMMENTARY
WASHINGTON POST
The Consequences of Kosovo by Anne Applebaum
“As not everybody now remembers, the wars of Yugoslavia began not in Bosnia, not in Croatia, but in Kosovo. The chain of events that led to the Srebrenica massacre and the bombing of Belgrade started there, in the late 1980s, when Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic launched a series of repressive measures against this mostly Albanian, semi-independent, "autonomous province" within Serbia. These culminated in 1990, when Milosevic ended the semi-independence, revoked Kosovo's autonomy, installed a new police force, shut down Albanian newspapers, fired university professors, and generally inflicted economic and political chaos. Milosevic's intention was to reassert Serbian and Orthodox dominance over Kosovo, the site of a historically significant battle between the Serbs and the Ottoman Empire in 1389 (the Serbs lost), and home to a genuinely substantial Serbian minority. And the result? This week, nearly two decades later, Kosovo -- an Albanian-speaking, majority-Muslim state in which, it's safe to guess, Serbs will be less than fully welcome and no Orthodox church will be safe from vandalism -- has just declared independence from Serbia. A more eloquent demonstration of the law of unintended consequences would be hard to find. In fact, watching the crowds celebrate Saturday night in the streets of Pristina, I wondered there isn't a deeper lesson here for other would-be neighborhood bullies. Milosevic's stated goal was, after all, the greater glory of Serbia (he had other, unstated goals as well, such as the perpetuation of a communist-era power structure; but never mind). Spouting Serbian nationalism, he helped turned Serb minorities across Yugoslavia into mini-militias. They, in turn, inspired the creation of other mini-militias -- Croatian, Bosnian, Albanian and others -- which began fighting one another in a series of small, nasty wars. You can fairly accuse me here of oversimplifying this chronology, but I think it is nevertheless correct to say that the result of this activity -- discrimination, ethnic cleansing, warfare -- was a complete disaster for Serbia. The Serbian economy went down the tubes; the Serb dominance of ex-Yugoslavia evaporated; Belgrade, the Serb capital, was bombed. Now Serbia looks set to be dismembered as well: Some European countries and the United States have recognized Kosovo's independence, something that wouldn't have happened two decades ago. Milosevic the super-nationalist -- the would-be leader of a revived, powerful, successful Serbia -- damaged no country nearly so much as he damaged Serbia itself. Keep that lesson in mind over the next few months as others in Europe -- and possibly elsewhere -- attempt to use the Kosovo example as a precedent. After all, if the Albanians can be independent from Serbia, the Abkhazians and South Ossetians would like to be independent from Georgia, the Basques and the Catalonians don't see why they shouldn't be independent from Spain, and who knows what could happen in Cyprus. In some of these cases, there are other, larger neighbors that might be interested in facilitating the split, just as Serbia was keen to encourage ethnic Serbs in Bosnia or Croatia. Most notably, and most notoriously, the Russians have made ominous noises and dropped dark hints about those Georgian separatist groups, and one can certainly see their logic. What a perfect way to take revenge on those difficult, NATO-loving Georgians: Encourage Georgia's ethnic minorities to launch civil war. Besides, the timing could hardly be better. In the waning days of the Bush administration, is Abkhazia anybody's central concern? During the most interesting U.S. presidential campaign in decades, is anyone going to spare a thought for South Ossetia? Except that if Abkhazia and South Ossetia were to secede, and civil war in Georgia were to follow, the Russians would then have a failed state on their borders. And, as we know from Yugoslavia, the Middle East and Africa, ethnic and religious civil wars have a nasty way of spreading to their neighbors. Chaos in Georgia might be in the short-term interest of a small group of Putinites, desperate to raise the specter of warfare, annoy the West, and cling to power (much like Milosevic, once upon a time), but it is most definitely not in the long-term interest of Russia.Russia's policy toward these would-be separatists over the next few weeks will therefore reveal a great deal about the mentality of Russia's ruling clan. If the denizens of the Kremlin have a shred of concern about their compatriots' future well-being, they'll shut up and try to calm everyone down. If not -- well, I hope they remember that the risks of the law of unintended consequences apply to them, too.”
2.18.2008
More News from Cyprus
TRNC NEWS HEADLINES
SOYER: “RESULTS POINT A HOPE”
Evaluating the results of Presidential elections in the South Cyprus , Prime Minister Soyer said that it was not a surprise for him and indicated that it was an expected outcome. Soyer said: “If a process shall start after March, we should take the opportunity of this environment” and stressed that with the election results, a hope arose.
Prime Minister Stated: “we should use this opportunity and we should push for a bilaterally acceptable solution “ Soyer also pointed out that the results showed that the Greek Cypriot community realised that there was no way other than the UN Solution plan. Soyer evaluated the results as a kind of leaving “the policy of Papadopulos towards killing the UN process” by the 65 % majority of the Greek Cypriots. Soyer said “I feel high respect for the will power of the Greek Cypriot People.”
Capezzone: (e il resto che raccoglieranno)
ELEZIONI: CAPEZZONE, DI PIETRO PERDE IL PELO MA NON IL VIZIO (AGI) - Roma, 18 feb. - Daniele Capezzone, promotore del
network Decidere.net, commenta il programma di Di Pietro sulle
tv e afferma: "Come volevasi dimostrare, Di Pietro perde il
pelo ma non il vizio, e, con la sua proposta di espropriare
Mediaset (perche'' di questo si tratta), mostra l''altra faccia
del ''moderato'' Veltroni. Quello che Pd e Idv (e il resto che
raccoglieranno) stanno mettendo in piedi e'' un grumo illiberale
che conserva il desiderio di colpire e punire Mediaset. E'' bene
che gli elettori lo sappiano, e che il concetto emerga con
chiarezza: cosi'', sara'' piu'' facile per tutti comprendere che,
sotto una maschera di novita'', Veltroni nasconde i tratti
illiberali che hanno segnato la stagione del Governo Prodi. Una
ragione di piu'', per quanto mi riguarda, per sostenere il
progetto del Popolo delle Liberta''". (AGI)
More News from Cyprus
I salute the independence of Kosovo.
I hope that Kosovo’s independence will have a positive influence on security and cooperation in the Balkans, which is of utmost importance for the stability of the world.
I ask that those, who object to the independence of Kosovo, take into consideration that no people can be forced to live under the rule of another people, and make the necessary contribution so that the problems that may arise can be solved through cooperation. The will of the people of Kosovo should be respected and the new state should be assisted.
With the knowledge that many countries will recognize the independence of Kosovo, I hope that especially the European Union will act with a high conception of its responsibilities. With the belief that the European Union will not repeat the mistakes, which we still suffer from in the Cyprus problem, I’d like to express that making use of enlargement as an instrument to solve this difficult and complex problem would be very appropriate.
I salute the success of the Kosovo leadership, which, through policies that won the sympathy and support of the world in the process leading to independence, gained an international respectability.
On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people, who have preserved their identity, went through a lot of pain to live in freedom and who are still continuing with their struggle, I sincerely congratulate Kosovo and the people of Kosovo and wish that Kosovo’s membership in the world’s family of nations contributes to humanity and world peace.