Cyprus-Forum.com

[joe]

http://www.hemscott.com/news/latest-new ... 1805998051

Cyprus rejects Turkey proposal to open up ports

NICOSIA (AFX) - Cyprus rejected as a 'mockery' Turkey's proposals to open up a port and an airport to Cypriot traffic to break a deadlock over its EU membership talks.

'We've told the Europeans clearly that this is not up for discussion,' Foreign Minister George Lillikas said.

Turkey said it is ready to open one seaport and one airport to Cyprus for one year to salvage its EU accession talks, but expects a solution to the thee-decade division of the island during that period.

'Turkey started accession talks with the European Union under the condition they would realise the (customs) protocol one year later. They have not done this,' Lillikas told reporters.

'This is a pre-planned move by Turkey to make an impression and one that we expected. This makes a mockery of the European Union as it is devoid of any serious content.'

The EU has been threatening to suspend Turkey's accession talks, started in October 2005, over its failure to open its harbours and ports to craft from Cyprus, whose government Ankara does not recognise.

Lillikas said Turkey had promised the EU it would open all its ports to traffic from Cyprus.

But Turkey refuses to do so until the EU eases the international isolation of the divided island's Turkish Cyriot entity, which is recognised only by Ankara.

[paaul12]

No one can say they didn’t offer to open their ports or airports now can they. Over 2 u!

[BigDutch]

Turkey has suggested a greatly reduced offering with an ultimatum on removal of this offer if the Cyprus Problem is not solved within a very limited time period.

Surely only a blind man will see that, no-one will ever be able to say that the Turkish "suggestion" was anywhere near what had already been agreed (with Turkey) in terms of opening all ports to all Cypriot registered traffic at all times forever.

[paaul12]

The airport and the sea port is open, if u dont want 2 come, thats your problem.

[rawk]

Its a shame that the GC's don't see this as an "opening gambit". The Finns have worked hard to get this, a surly reponse from the ROC government won't win them any favours in the EU.

Trade and links with Turkey will weigh heavily in the minds of EU governments, the willing shown by Turkey could very soon undermine the glacial intransigence of the ROC and they may well find their northern neighbour awarded special status (ie. recognition) until problems are resolved (ie: never).

Stupid governments cling onto ideas and dreams in the face of reality!

Did you see Senator Baker's speech about the USA war against Iraq?

Did someone say ROC?

No, sorry, it was Bush in the USA.

Never trust a politician!

If they say its sunny, go outside and check!

Don't get wet!

Rawk

[Kikapu]

Never trust a politician!

If they say its sunny, go outside and check!

Don't get wet!

Rawk

You got that right, Rawk.

I carry my umbrella at all times..........even in Death Valley.!!

[Viewpoint]

Its a shame that the GC's don't see this as an "opening gambit". The Finns have worked hard to get this, a surly reponse from the ROC government won't win them any favours in the EU.

Trade and links with Turkey will weigh heavily in the minds of EU governments, the willing shown by Turkey could very soon undermine the glacial intransigence of the ROC and they may well find their northern neighbour awarded special status (ie. recognition) until problems are resolved (ie: never).

Stupid governments cling onto ideas and dreams in the face of reality!

Did you see Senator Baker's speech about the USA war against Iraq?

Did someone say ROC?

No, sorry, it was Bush in the USA.

Never trust a politician!

If they say its sunny, go outside and check!

Don't get wet!

Rawk

well said rawk, this was a last minute attempt and has served its purpose to show the GC state for the intrangisence body of people they are, well done Turkey. The EU will only take so much and if the little statelet of the "RoC" thinks that when the day dawns and the EU have to take a stand off between the benefits from Turkey and the GC run south I know who I will put my money on. The EU member states are out for what they can get and they can get a lot more from Turkey than they can the GC "RoC"

[Issy1956]

BigDutch,
Whats wrong with setting a time limit for the Cyprus Problem to be solved within a very limited time period. After all the UN have been at it for about 30 years. Is there some aspect of it that that not been covered before?
Reluctance to accept this is a sign of not wanting a solution and keeping the status quo. Deep down the ROC does not want a solution and united Cyprus. This is becoming clear to even the EU.

[EUropean666]

Ankara accord and EU regulations do not say for one-two or three ports, they are about ALL ports without negotiations or bargains. can you get it? Europe is not the egypt bazaar of constantinople!

[pitsilos]

While EU officials gave the Turkish offer a guarded welcome, there was confusion on whether it was conditional, a clause Brussels rejects.

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/article ... ARNING.xml

the above i think covers the turkish proposal quite well.