Finland wants to convene emergency meeting on Cyprus question

Abdullah Gül

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As the current holder of the rotating Presidency of the European Union, Finland is working hard to resolve a problem concerning Cyprus.
      Negotiations on Turkey's possible membership in the European Union have become bogged down partially over Turkey's refusal to allow ships from Cyprus to dock in its ports. Cyprus became a member of the EU in 2004.
      Turkey says that it will lift the ban on Cypriot ships only if the EU lifts its blockade of the Turkish-occupied North Cyprus.
      Finland is planning an emergency meeting in Helsinki soon, where the parties to the dispute are to negotiate on the situation at a meeting presided over by Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja.
     
On Tuesday, Tuomioja said that all sides had been offered the possibility to come to Helsinki, but that it was not yet possible to confirm if the meeting would materialise.
      The meeting would take place just a couple of days before the European Commission issues its report on Turkey. According to sources close to the Commission, the report is expected to point to shortcomings in the promotion of freedom of expression and the elimination of torture.
      However, the report also reportedly praises progress that has been made by Turkey.
     
If the disagreements over Cyprus are not resolved, the membership talks with Turkey could be suspended. According to Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, the Commission can still add to its report.
     
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül says that instead of holding a meeting in Helsinki, Finland should try to resolve the dispute through shuttle diplomacy in the area. However, Kare Halonen, head of the European Section of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, has been in Turkey and Cyprus for discussions early this week.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Cyprus talks to convene in Helsinki next weekend (31.10.2006)
  North Cyprus unhappy with Finnish proposals (11.10.2006)
  Turkey promises to take Finnish Cyprus initiative seriously (5.10.2006)
  Commissioner Rehn criticises repeated violations of free speech in Turkey (22.11.2005)

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