GREEK CYPRUS THREATENS TO VETO TURKEY’S EU BID

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.09.2006 14:05 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Greek Cyprus is ready to block the opening and
closing of the EU’s negotiating chapters with Turkey if Ankara doesn’t
open its ports and harbors to Greek Cypriot ships and planes, stated
Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister George Lillikas.

Stressing that the position of the Greek Cypriot administration on the
issue remains firm, Lillikas said, "The policy we’re following is one
that doesn’t allow Turkey’s smooth accession." Asked about the Finnish
warning to Turkey regarding fulfilling its commitments towards Greek
Cyprus and the Union and the implementation of the Ankara protocol
that extends the Customs Union to the 10 new EU members, including
Greek Cyprus, Lillikas said, "If Turkey continues to maintain the same
stance then there will be relative reactions and a relative stance
on behalf of the Greek Cypriot government," reports the New Anatolian.

We remind that Turkey has refused to open its ports and harbors for
use by the Greek Cypriots unless the Union ends the isolation of the
Turkish Cypriots.

However, the 25-nation bloc is demanding that Turkey open its ports
to EU member Greek Cyprus by the end of this year. If not, Ankara’s
entry talks, which began last fall, may be suspended.