Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Cyprus insists it will keep the EU pressure on Turkey

"Cyprus insists it will keep the EU pressure on Turkey
By Elias Hazou

CYPRUS will be on Turkey’s case every step of the way, ensuring that the neighbouring country meets its obligations toward the European Union, President Papadopoulos has warned.

He was commenting on talk originating from Brussels that certain EU members were mulling over delaying the release of a progress report on Ankara to November and possibly next year.

Turkey got the green light to start accession negotiations with the 25-member bloc last year, with the EU imposing what were arguably the harshest criteria on a candidate nation to date.

In addition, Cyprus and France had at the time pressed for a progress review, monitoring both Turkey’s broader compliance with the EU acquis as well as its obligation to enforce the customs union protocol.

Ankara still refuses to open its ports to Cypriot ships and aircraft, as it does not recognise the Republic."

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