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Rehn says EU powers support opening Ercan (North Cyprus) Airport
Offering a possible "carrot" to top Turkish officials for a compromise on Cyprus late Wednesday, European Union enlargement chief Olli Rehn said that some major EU powers had already expressed support for opening Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus to international flights as part of a compromise deal.
Rehn, during his three day visit to Ankara, discussed ways to avoid a possible Cyprus crisis late this year, reviewed Turkey's EU reform process and urged Ankara to step up the reform process in order to dispel doubts among Turkey-skeptic circles in the EU.
European Commission sources told The New Anatolian on late Wednesday that on Cyprus, Rehn underlined that it was Turkey's obligation to open its ports and harbors to Greek Cypriots, but also said that EU will work to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. Underlying the will of major EU powers to avoid a crisis late this year in Turkey's EU accession process, Rehn said the Finnish proposals should be taken serious. "Turkey has to be flexible and constructive. We can reach a compromise. Whatever you do, don't be the first party to turn down the Finnish proposals," Rehn told top Turkish diplomats, sources said.
The Finnish proposals broadly cover four points: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) handing over Varosha to the UN, the operation of TRNC ports by international supervision (the EU or/and UN), the Greek Cypriot administration's approval of direct trade regulations, and the opening of Turkey's ports and airports to the Greek Cypriots.
According to diplomats, Turkey raises two reservations. First, Ankara says that handing over Varosha can only be discussed as part of a comprehensive solution under the UN. Secondly, the Turkish side stresses that, for such a package to be meaningful, it shouldn't be limited to opening of sea ports to international trade, but also include opening of Ercan international airport in Northern Cyprus to international flights.
According to EU sources, Rehn, during his talks with top Turkish officials in Ankara, disclosed that some major EU powers had already expressed support for opening Ercan Airport as part of the deal and that this should be taken seriously.
The European commissioner, before his departure from Ankara yesterday, told journalists at the airport that he is leaving the country after having very useful talks and good impressions. Rehn raised hope that there won't be a "train crash" late this year due to the Cyprus problem, but also said that coming weeks will be difficult for Turkey. The commissioner suggested that the Turkish government make progress in reforms and implementation to dispel doubts among Turkey-skeptic circles in the EU.
Source: TheNewAnatolian.com / 2006-10-06
Next Article...
Talat calls for lifting of isolations on Turkish Cypriots / 2006-10-06 / ObserverCyprus.com
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