Turks told ‘keep quiet about Cyprus’

By Andrew Beatty

Date: 31/03/05

Turkey's aim of starting membership talks this October could be in jeopardy despite a recent decision tacitly to acknowledge the existence of Greek Cyprus, a key EU demand.

Turkey this week agreed to extend its customs agreement with the EU to cover the Republic of Cyprus, a move constituting de facto recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, a prerequisite for starting EU membership talks in October.

Concern is growing in European capitals that a declaration that Turkey has said will accompany the signing of the Ankara Protocol, as the deal is known, may abrogate that agreement.

Cypriot Ambassador to Brussels, Nicholas Emiliou said: "It has been made clear to the Turks [that the EU presidency] has said that they will not accept anything that can negate the content of the protocol."

The text has to be approved by EU member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, which can veto the opening of talks.

But despite the veto threat, Turkey insists it has the right to make a declaration accompanying the signing.

"The declaration has no legal obligation to be in line with the protocol," said Engin Solakoglu, spokesman for the Turkish mission to the EU on Wednesday. "It is a political step, it has nothing to do with the protocol."

Turkish politicians are keen not to ferment a domestic backlash, which could follow perceived recognition of Cyprus.

They also worry that Turkey's position in talks on the final status of the island could be weakened by official recognition of Cyprus.

Considering these sensitivities, Ankara successfully insisted that the protocol not mention explicitly the right of Cypriot flag-carriers to dock in Turkish ports.

But the Commission says the original customs agreement of 1963 is sufficient to ensure that Cypriot ships are allowed access to Turkish ports.

"Even without the protocol Turkey is committed to bring its policies with third countries in line with EU's position," said European Commission spokesperson Krisztina Nagy.

But much now hinges on the content of the statement.

According to a Luxembourg diplomat, if Turkey states simply that it does not de jure recognise the Republic of Cyprus, this could be acceptable language.

"We hope it will not be counterproductive as it would be if it were worded in an aggressive way," he said.

It is expected that the protocol will be signed in the second half of 2005.

Article reports that Turkey's aim of starting membership talks in October 2005 could be in jeopardy despite a recent decision tacitly to acknowledge the existence of Greek Cyprus, a key EU demand.