Balkans: December 28, 1999

Archives


Shadow boxing over Cyprus continues. A Turkish government spokesman is putting a new spin on a UN resolution, maintains that the extension of the UN security mandate in Cyprus is tantamount to an acknowledgement of "the existence of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus." The TRNC, headed by Rauf Denktash, is the 40% of the island occupied by Turk troops. Only Turkey recognizes the TRNC. Ankara bases its new claim on the fact the resolution requires "approval of both Cypriot authorities" for certain troop actions. The Turks maintain this means the UN now recognizes two different states. of course the Greeks don't. The Greeks and most of the EU favor a "bi-zonal" Cypriot federation. What does the political rhetoric mean? It means the second round of proximity talks on Cyprus will begin in January.

Turkey cashiered another 23 military officers in early December for Islamic fundamentalist activities. The Turks have purged more than 700 officers for this reason since 1996.--Stephen V Cole

 

Article Archive

Balkans: Current 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 


X

ad
0
20

Help Keep Us Soaring

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month.

Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage. A contribution is not a donation that you can deduct at tax time, but a form of crowdfunding. We store none of your information when you contribute..
Subscribe   Contribute   Close