Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

TURKISH FM SAYS DIFFERENT ALTERNATIVES WILL ARISE IF LEADERS ARE LEFT IN UNCERTAINTY

Turkish Foreign Minister and the Chief Negotiator with the EU Ali Babacan has pointed out that any political deadlock which will occur between the two sides in Cyprus and guarantor powers will hinder Turkey’s EU accession negotiations.

Mr Babacan called on the EU to put pressure on the Greek Cypriot side towards the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Babacan’s words came at a press conference held after the 6th Turkey-EU Accession Conference hosted in Brussels today.

Touching upon the Cyprus problem, Turkish Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the setting up of a time-table in the Cyprus solution process, saying the negotiations should include the fear of time.

Underlining the need for looking into the Cyprus issue from a larger perspective and bringing the lasting settlement, he said the EU has a big role in maintaining this.

“The EU should encourage South Cyprus, which is a unilateral member of it, for a settlement. Otherwise, there will be different alternatives of solution is the two Cyprus leaders are left face to face in uncertainty” Babacan stressed.

Explaining that the Annan Plan gained its final version when the UN Secretary-General filled in the gaps remaining, Mr Babacan said this what has to happen today too.

“We are the one to call for an urgent solution and go in for an examination. And, we are fully determined on that. We believe the solution of the Cyprus problem will contribute to security in the Eastern Mediterranean region” the Minister stated.

Within the framework of today’s accession conference, two more chapters on “Free Movement of Stocks” and “Knowledge Society and the Media” have been opened to negotiation with the fulfillment of criteria in the fields, in addition to 8 chapters previously opened as part of Turkey’s EU accession process.

The EU was represented by the term-president France’s EU Minister Bruno Le Maire and the Head of Turkey Desk of the EU Commission Jean Christophe Filori at the Conference, while Babacan was representing Turkey.

There are now 10 chapters in total opened to negotiation for Turkey’s EU membership.

[Jerry]

Why doesn't Ali Baba just say what he means "Hurry up and settle on our terms, or else"

Turks are lousy negatiators, they can only think in terms of threats and armed force, even the simplist diplomatic skills are beyond them.