Greek Cyprus, a member of the European Union since 2004, is not recognized by Turkey, which had intervened in the island's northern third after a brief Greek-inspired coup in 1974. In an annual report the EU executive arm said Turkey had made no progress in normalizing its relations with Greek Cyprus, adding that it was urgent that Ankara open its ports and airports to Greek Cypriot traffic.
“We are disappointed because based precisely on the findings of the commission, we would have expected recommendations on some measures which should be taken in December,” Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou said Wednesday.
EU heads of state will discuss the report in December. Greek Cyprus says it will “not be business as usual” if Ankara fails to meet its commitments and speaks of repercussions, but will not be more specific. The Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have been engaged in direct talks to reunite the island since September 2008.
Yesterday, Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat held their 45th round of talks. Following their meeting, the two leaders planted an olive tree together. Civil society representatives from both the Greek and Turkish sides of the divided island were also present during the ceremonial planting in order to display their solidarity and support for the negotiation process.
