Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Nov 24 2006

Turkish minister says Cyprus issue will be "shelved for some time" by
EU

Cankiri, 24 November: "Serious stance of Turkey has been comprehended
in talks with the European Union (EU). I think Cyprus question will
be shelved for sometime," Turkish Minister of Industry and Trade Ali
Coskun said on Friday [24 November].

Coskun met executives of Chamber of Trade and Chamber of Tradesmen in
central Anatolian city of Cankiri.

"Turkey has passed through an exam with the EU in screening process
on 35 topics. However, the EU has brought Cyprus and so-called
Armenian genocide in front of Turkey. France committed the biggest
murders in its history. They have killed 1.5 million of our brothers
and sisters in Algeria. Now, they want to judge Turkish history," he
noted.

"EU often talks about Cyprus," Coskun said, recalling that a promise
was made to Turkey that the blockade before [the self-declared]
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) would be removed in case
the Turkish party votes "yes" to the Annan Plan.

"Turkey has kept its promise and Turkish Cypriots voted yes so it is
now the turn of the EU to keep its promise," Coskun indicated.

Coskun also said 2007 would be a critical year because of the general
and presidency elections.