New Proposal

It has now been confirmed by several Turkish News Agencies that a “new” proposal on Cyprus will be announced by Ankara tomorrow. The authors of this proposal would have us believe that it is purely coincidental that this plan is being announced on the very same day Foreign Minister Jack Straw arrives in the region. This proposal is not new ... Turkey, for quite some time now has made it clear that the opening of Turkish ports to Cypriot vessels will only occur if direct trade is rewarded to the breakaway statelet. Be weary of press reports tomorrow that praise this “new” proposal. Cypriot officials who will speak with Foreign Minister Straw should make it clear that any new proposal will not be linked to Turkey's obligation in implementing the customs union protocol with Cyprus.