EU struggles with deadlock over Turkish recognition of Cyprus

BRUSSELS: The European Union was still struggling at the weekend to end an embarrassing impasse over Turkey’s refusal to recognise member state Cyprus, just two weeks before accession talks are due to start. Despite a flurry of diplomatic activity, the British EU presidency has failed find a suitable response to Turkey’s stance, which could harm its long-held membership ambitions. Tensions mounted in July when, while signing a protocol extending a customs accord with the EU to the bloc’s 10 newest states – including Cyprus – Turkey declared this did not amount to a recognition of the Nicosia government. The EU ministers are seeking agreement on a “counter-declaration”, but differences over how strongly it should press Ankara to endorse the divided island have so far prevented an accord. Few new opportunities are likely before October 3, when Turkey’s membership negotiations are to begin, and Britain concedes it may be forced to call a special meeting of EU foreign ministers, possibly on September 26. “We remain hopeful that we won’t have to drag the ministers to Brussels,” a spokesman for the presidency said. Last week, Britain and France sought support for a compromise stating that Turkey should recognise Cyprus before joining, but that failed to win enough backing in two meetings of EU ambassadors. afp

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