CYPRUS DISPUTE MIGHT SET BACK TURKEY’S PLANS
news.am
April 20 2010
Armenia
"Sunday’s presidential elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus will possibly set back island’s reunification talks," British
Guardian writes. However, amid election victory of Turkish nationalist
Dervis Eroglu, "combative" Turkish Premier Erdogan is resolute that
talks will continue.
The daily says that majority of experts agree that Cyprus issue is a
prerequisite for Turkey’s joining EU and thereafter it will be very
difficult for the country to continue EU accession negotiations, as
"eighteen of the 35 negotiating ‘chapters’ are currently frozen due
to Cyprus dispute."
The source recalls that such countries as France and Germany are
determined to discuss only privileged partnership for Turkey.
"If they do not admit us, as some people say, they are the ones to
lose, not us. As then they will declare themselves Christian club
members. We wish to see EU not as Christian club, but a center of
civilization," Premier said, speaking at the University of Sarajevo.
Definitely, this statement did not increase the number of supporters
for Turkey’s joining European Union.
The Guardian says that Erdogan’s stance on some issues, namely "row"
with U.S. over recognition of Armenian Genocide, opposing sanctions
against Iran and criticism of Israel might impede Turkey’s joining EU.