: "The EU’s revolving door for Turkey
Turkey’s decision to sign an EU customs protocol without officially recognizing Cyprus could mean that Ankara will have to settle for something less than full EU membership, analysts say.
By Seda Serdar for ISN Security Watch (02/08/05)
Turkey signed a protocol on Monday effectively extending its customs union with the EU to the bloc’s ten new member states, including Cyprus, which makes the protocol a tendentious one.
Ankara has staunchly insisted that the signing of the protocol - the last step before Turkey can begin EU membership talks - did not amount to recognition of Cyprus. And while British Prime Minister Tony Blair has supported Ankara’s sentiments towards Cyprus, at least for the time being, other EU members, particularly France, have not."
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