While both the EU and the Republic of Cyprus^vi have recently introduced measures to promote free trade and other activities with the Turkish Cypriots, there are serious delays in their application. The Greek Cypriot dailies, Politis in particular, have exposed many problems and difficulties in the implementation of these measures.(see also the call for deepening of reconciliation process endorsed by CAN after the opening of checkpoints in April 2003). From these articles it is obvious that there are lots of legalistic impediments in the application of such measures. The European Union has also expressed its frustration with the slow progress in implementing those measures that relate to the promotion of trade between the two regions. There are also fears that the European Union might ask the Republic of Cyprus to close the current boundaries due to its own fear of unrestricted immigration from Turkey once Cyprus joins the EU.

Finally, the Cyprus Action Network is worried about employment of Turkish Cypriots in low-paid manual jobs. The government should pay proper attention to the professional accommodation of Turkish Cypriots. Towards this end, it should pay particular attention to the hiring of Turkish Cypriots in more prestigious government jobs. One area of possible employment for Turkish Cypriots is the police. We believe that the Cyprus police force is not trusted by the Turkish Cypriots and that introducing a bi-communal police authority will improve relations between the two communities.

Head of the European Commission's delegation in Cyprus Adriaan van der Meer said today that an EU package of measures for the Turkish Cypriots announced yesterday is a very good one.

He said that on 17-18 June, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen will be on the island to explain the package and various details and promote its implementation. "It is a very good package. It has all the necessary ingredients which can help the northern part of the island to get better informed on EU measures to further extend our activities and it is a way forward to ease the trade restrictions", he said prior to a visit here at the Central Offices of PEO Pan-Cyprian Federation of Labour Trade Union. Van der Meer called upon all parties in Cyprus to be flexible and pragmatic in order to work on implementation details. He said he expects a reaction from the Turkish Cypriot community regarding the measures later tonight or tomorrow.

Asked if the package is on a "take it or leave it" basis, he said that "there is always room for consultation and discussion".

The package is a comprehensive one and covers the areas of trade, bringing Turkish Cypriots closer to the EU and financial assistance, he added. It provides for 12m euro for infrastructure projects, development of middle size businesses, research, boosting civil society and trade unions and organizing seminars to inform the Turkish Cypriots about the EU.

"It is a comprehensive package and we are going to work on all three avenues to make it work. It is not a matter of choose and take. This is it. On that basis we are going to work with all parties involved to make it happen and we hope that in that respect understanding of the acquis in the north will improve", van der Meer stressed.

Asked if there is an alternative plan in case the Turkish Cypriot side rejects the package, he noted "the commission never thinks a plan B". He expressed conviction that the package will be implemented as proposed.

On his visit to PEO, van der Meer said that it will cover a number of areas regarding the implementation of the acquis communautaire in the labour field. He said implementation of the Labour Law in Cyprus is on the right track but added that there are still a number of important issues to be implemented.

On 30 June an EU monitoring mission will be in Cyprus to check on the implementation process.