EU: The European Commission has outlined arrangements under which a unified Cyprus could enter the European Union on May 1st. These would include restrictions on the right of Cypriot citizens to reside in the other constituent state and on the right of outsiders to buy property in Northern Cyprus.
The Commissioner responsible for enlargement, Mr Günther Verheugen, said the EU's clear preference was for a united Cyprus to join next month. He urged the people of both parts of Cyprus to support a UN plan to unify the island politically.
"We are very close, inches away and I hope this opportunity will not be missed . . . I don't believe another opportunity will present itself. It is my firm belief that this is the last opportunity."
Mr Verheugen said although the EU had made clear its preference for a settlement before May 1st, it was for the Cypriots to decide. If a majority in either part of the island rejects a settlement, the Greek part of Cyprus will join the EU regardless.
"We must resist putting too much pressure on the Greek Cypriots. After all, it is their country."
The Commission has organised a meeting in Brussels next week to prepare a donors' conference to finance the housing needs that might result from a settlement. Mr Verheugen denied a report that the Greek Cypriots had not been invited to the meeting and urged all sides to work towards finding agreement.