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Turkey warns may say 'no' to EU, tough on Cyprus
By Staff Reporter


WHILE backstage haggling continued in Brussels in the run up to Friday’s crucial summit, Turkey insisted it would not recognize Cyprus even indirectly and signaled it could say ‘no’ to European Union entry talks if the bloc imposed too many conditions.

EU members are widely expected to hand Turkey its long-awaited date for accession talks but the neighbouring country fears that it would be asked to make too many concessions, including issues in relation to Cyprus.

“Turkey will not hesitate to say ‘no’ if a final deal includes unacceptable conditions,” one diplomat quoted Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan as telling EU envoys in Ankara Reuters reported.

Turkish officials are angry at attempts by some EU members, notable France and Austria, to push a possible alternative to full membership into the EU summit communiqué.

Austria renewed its call for alternatives yesterday after a meeting between Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel and Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende whose country holds the rotating EU presidency.

“The negotiations can begin but they must be open ended,” Schuessel said.

He added that the EU should go beyond merely stating the obvious and make clear that an alternative to full membership should be a possibility.

“It is not about closing the door, but rather about opening negotiations that can include accession but also could achieve an independent result that is unique,” the Austrian Chancellor said.

The Dutch draft of the EU summit decision has left blank the goal of talks but notes that the European Commission report recommending talks referred to an “open-ended process whose outcome cannot be guaranteed beforehand”.

But Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul appeared similarly defiant as Erdogan in relation to Cyprus: “While there is no lasting settlement Turkey will not take any steps, which could mean recognizing (Cyprus) directly or indirectly.”

It had been hoped that Turkey would extend its 1963 association agreement to include the 10 newly-acceded countries, including Cyprus.

Foreign Minister George Iakovou yesterday appeared satisfied with the talks he had with his Dutch counterpart Ben Bot.

According to reports, the main issue of the one-hour meeting in Brussels, was the preparation of the summit conclusions and especially paragraph 19, which is important to Cyprus.

“I am satisfied considering the support we had from others, in previous councils and in the permanent representatives committee and also considering that no one from those present reacted negatively,” Iakovou said.

He added that during the council meeting his suggestions had been met with support from many EU foreign ministers.

The foreign minister said he and Bot discussed alternative scenarios, all of which covered the island’s positions.

“We effectively discussed our positions and how they could be satisfied with alternative ways,” Iakovou said while declining to reveal details of the talks.

Concerning the comments made by the Turkish side, Iakovou said that was Ankara’s standard reaction when faced with problems.

“When Ankara is faced with problems and dilemmas she always reacts with in aggressive way,” Iakovou said.

The minister said that from the discussion in the council meeting, he had gathered that there was a general agreement among the ministers regarding the issues raised by France and Austria.
“It looks like no substantial obstacles would be presented in the issues raised in the past by Austria and France,” he said.

Iakovou declined to comment on a gathering last night by the Citizens Movement in support for Cyprus vetoing Turkey’s accession to the EU.

The ill-attended gathering was organized by the same group. Which spearheaded the campaign for the rejection of the Annan plan.

The main speaker was EDEK honourary chairman Vassos Lyssarides.

Despite being advertised, DIKO deputy chairman Nicos Kleanthous and EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou, both of whom have spoken openly in favour of a veto, did not attend the gathering.