Quote:

Ankara set on steps for Cyprus
The New Anatolian / Ankara

10 November 2006

The Foreign Ministry expressed yesterday Ankara's resolve to keep up constructive steps in order to stop the Cyprus dispute from become an undermining factor for the country's talks with the European Union, but opposed deadlines.

Giving an evaluation of the European Commission's progress report on Turkey to reporters during a weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Namik Tan stressed that resolving the Cyprus dispute doesn't only rely on Turkey's fulfillment of its responsibilities.

Praising the Finnish efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus dispute, Tan said, "Turkey is ready to exert efforts. However, the Cyprus dispute shouldn't be used against Turkey's membership talks with the EU. Therefore, it is wrong to use deadlines as a threat."

Tan ruled out one-sided steps by Turkey concerning the implementation of the Ankara Protocol and said, "There is a worrying ambiguity not only in Turkey but also in the EU concerning the issue. Turkey announced it's will to implement the protocol with its signature. But there is reciprocal responsibility on the issue."

Tan made reference to the statement in the progress report, which asked the full implementation of the Ankara Protocol (extending the Customs Union to the 10 new members of the EU, including the Greek Cypriot administration) and removal of all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on means of transport. Although the report didn't recommend the suspension of talks if Turkey fails to implement the protocol, it however, said that Turkey's fulfillment of the responsibilities will affect the negotiations and should it fail to do so, the Commission will make recommendations on the issue next month during the leaders' summit.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson went on to stress that the party wanting a solution to the Cyprus issue is the Turkish side and said, "Keeping in mind not only the political and technical responsibilities of EU membership, but also the adaptation to culture, we have and will continue to follow a constructive approach. But, it is our right to expect reciprocal acts to our efforts and also expect the same responsibility from the other parties."

Responding to a question, Tan stated that Finland's, which holds the rotating EU term presidency, proposals haven't become written and they will continue talks on the latest proposals, stressing that he has no information about whether there are additional elements to the proposals.

In related news, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stated on late Wednesday that Turkey will keep up the reform process with determination.
Stressing that there are both praise and deficiencies in the report that Turkey is also aware of, Gul told reporters, as he arrived in Ankara from Rome, that the Foreign Ministry will convey to the Commission points on which there is disagreement.