"EU reminds Turkey of Cyprus condition for talks
By Staff Reporter
THE European Commission yesterday reminded Turkey that it must sign a document extending its customs union with the EU to cover Cyprus before it can begin membership talks with the bloc as planned on October 3.
If Ankara dragged its feet for political reasons, the negotiations would not open, senior Commission official Jean-Christophe Filori told visiting Turkish journalists.
The move is highly sensitive in Turkey because it is seen by diplomats as tantamount to de facto recognition of the Republic of Cyprus without a peace deal to reunite the divided island.
Turkey, which won its date to start long-delayed EU entry talks at a summit last December, recognises only the breakaway Turkish Cypriot regime in the north.
Asked what would happen if Turkey did not sign the protocol, Filori said: �If the delay is a result of political resistance (in Turkey), yes it would be a problem and the negotiations would not start.�"
More:EU reminds Turkey of Cyprus condition for talks