Athens reported today in the Cyprus Mail that a solution to the Cyprus problem by 28th February. The Turkish Government has denied tht it is making any moves to back down, having apparently failed in efforts to prevent accession to the EU of the Republic of Cyprus, which will now almost certainly go ahead in 2004.
Also likely is that Rauf Denktash, leader of the breakaway regime in the North, is very likely to be diposed by his own party, after widespread opposition among Turkish-Cypriots of his rule in the north.
If a solution is reached, it may well involve the repatriation of the city of Famgusta back to the Cyprus Republic, in return for the stand-down of Greek-Cypriot forces that have been allegedly prepared to invade northern Nicosia, Morphou and Famagusta since 1976.
The Cyprus National Guard maintains approximately 240 main battle tanks, and is supported by 80 Greek MBT’s. The CNG also recently equipped itself with a squadron of 12 Mi-35P Hind attack helicopters.
If a solution is reached soon, the Republic will likely veto plans to procure 40 additional T-80U tanks and 4 Hind attack helicopters in the new year.
Likewise, any solution woud require a massive withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces from the island.
Twi.
Launch at Twilight – “Thermal Crossover”
By: llcoolgreek - 20th December 2002 at 21:31
RE: Cyprus solution imminent?
turk cypriots will demonstrate until the force Denktash out…or maybe change in policy because he no longer represents the turkish cypriots1
By: Arabella-Cox - 19th December 2002 at 16:21
RE: Cyprus solution imminent?
In the alleged sense, I was expressing the view of the Turkish Cypriots on the Cyprus National Guard.
Launch at Twilight – “Thermal Crossover”
By: ad0nis - 19th December 2002 at 11:48
RE: Cyprus solution imminent?
Rauf will be diposed, mark my words he has continually strived for recognition of his psuedo state rather than standing and fighting for peace on the island, maybe maybe a few gentle proddings from Turkey will compel Rauf to accept Anans peace plan, otherwise i see no solution in sight.
using any arms procurements as a bargaining chip in any solution is wrong as was proven with the S300 fiasco, the T-80U will not arrive in Cyprus especially in view of current attempts to re-unify.
You raise an imporatnt point my fellow greek, the CNG although armed to the tooth with a good mix of T-80U, Exocets, Tor-M1 any attempt to gain lost land i.e Morphou , Famagusta would be fruitless don’t you think??
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December 19, 2002 at 2:10 am