Monday, October 30, 2006

Cyprus Takes a Hard Line on Turkish EU-Entry Ambitions

"Cyprus Takes a Hard Line on Turkish EU-Entry Ambitions
Reuters

NICOSIA, Cyprus -- Turkey could face a suspension of EU entry talks for failing to meet its obligations by the end of this year, but the door to Turkish European Union membership should be left open, Cyprus said Sunday.

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said delaying or conditionally suspending the talks were alternatives to the two 'extremes' of allowing Turkey to continue negotiations unhindered, and a complete breakdown in talks. 'I have never spoken about exercising a veto. ... Vetoes are for those who do not wish to see Turkey face any sanctions [for non-compliance], not the opposite. Not us,' Papadopoulos, Turkey's fiercest critic in the EU, told the Cypriot daily Phileleftheros."

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