Cyprus-Forum.com

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Speaking during his visit to Haringey on Tuesday, Mr Straw revealed: "I had a meeting yesterday [Monday 20 March] with Ollie Rehn, who is the EU Commissioner for enlargement, about next steps. We’re looking at ways in which we can activate the trade regulation."

The Foreign Secretary also claimed credit for securing some 139 million Euros from EU coffers for Turkish Cypriots, saying: "I claim credit for the fact that we finally got the aid regulation through."

When challenged about a further 120 million Euros lost due to disputes over decoupling the aid and trade regulations, Mr Straw responded: "Well, we’re trying to make that up, but anyway we’ve got it through."

The Foreign Secretary also again pledged his commitment to direct flights to North Cyprus, saying: "there are legal issues which we are continuing to examine, but I have made it clear that I want to see direct flights with northern Cyprus."

AKP: ‘MODERN AND PROGRESSIVE’

Asked if he is aware of being considered pro-Turkish, Mr Straw responded: "Well, I love Turkey. I love Greece as well," adding: "I hugely admire what Turkey has been able to achieve, especially in the last five years.

"People always think the AKP party is, quote, ‘Islamic,’ but it’s actually been one of the most modern and progressive governments in Turkey. It’s moved human rights in the correct direction, it’s changing the economy; also, it is a government that has shown significant respect for the majority of religion.

"It’s a real case study that you can have political parties that are very committed to a particular Christian denomination – the Christian Democrats are – and can have a state religion as we do in England, and you still have modern government, as you do in Turkey."

‘TURKEY IS EUROPEAN’

Asked about Turkey’s future in Europe, the Foreign Secretary told the London Turkish Gazette: "Turkey is European. It’s essential that Turkey see the future in Europe, which is why we’ve got to make a few compromises."

PROBLEMS WITH SOUTH

Responding to our question about the UK’s relations with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus Mr Straw said: "Relations with Greece are very good, and they’ve been very helpful. There are complications with our relationship with Cyprus, as you know."

[pumpernickle]

bravo jacky!!!

[rawk]

Jack the Lad!

rawk