Cyprus talks to convene in Helsinki next weekend

Erkki Tuomioja

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Finland, as the current holder of the rotating EU presidency, is preparing for a meeting in Helsinki next Sunday and Monday to discuss the dispute between Turkey and Cyprus, according to the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE's TV news on Monday.
      The aim of the planned talks, to be chaired by Finland's Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, is to prevent the Turkish EU membership negotiations from running aground.
      However, Kare Halonen, the Finnish Foreign Ministry's Director General for the Department for Europe, commented to Helsingin Sanomat on Monday that he could not confirm the news of the planned negotiations.
     
Finland is trying to help negotiate a solution to end the economic isolation of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey.
      A resolution would also require Turkey to recognise the predominantly Greek Republic of Cyprus in the south of the island, and to allow access to Turkish ports by Greek Cypriot ships.
      Reportedly, the failure of negotiations on the Cyprus issue could have a negative impact on the European Commission report on the progress in Turkey's EU membership talks. The report is due next week.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  North Cyprus unhappy with Finnish proposals (11.10.2006)

Helsingin Sanomat