"Greek FM urges Turkey to implement obligations on Cyprus
05/04/2006
www.financialmirror.com
Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis called on Turkey Wednesday to fulfill its obligations towards the European Union and join the United Nations technical committees that will investigate new ways to resolve the Cyprus problem.
Speaking after her meeting in Nicosia with Cyprus Foreign Minister George Iacovou, Bakoyiannis repeated the statement made by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn that Turkey has undertaken a commitment to implement the Ankara Protocol.
'This is what the EU expects from Turkey. It is therefore important for this aim to be achieved, that Turkey comes closer to the EU,' Bakoyiannis said.
The main obstacle at present is Turkey’s refusal to open up its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft, bargaining in exchange for a better financial deal for Turkish Cypriots living in the north of the island, including their right to trade freely with the outer world.
The Greek Foreign Minister said she was optimistic that the pro-European forces in Turkey will prevail."
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