PM Vanhanen says Cyprus dispute must be resolved in early December

Turkish membership not to be discussed at December EU summit

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Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen on Monday set a deadline for a resolution to the Cyprus question.
      According to Vanhanen, the dispute needs to be resolved in early December if setbacks are to be avoided in Turkey’s aims at becoming a member of the EU.
      He said that a solution is needed before the European Comission meets on December 6th, as Vanhanen is waiting for a proposal from the Commission on the matter in the first week of December. Decisions on how to proceed in the process are to be made at the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting on December 11th.
      "A real deadline is before the Commission puts forward its proposals", said Vanhanen, who spoke at a meeting of the Conference of the European Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in Helsinki on Monday. He added that the Turkish question would not be discussed at the EU summit in mid-December.
     
Finland is still trying to negotiate a model that would satisfy all sides. The EU wants Turkey to open its harbours and its airports to Cypriot vessels and air traffic, and for Northern Cyprus to be able to engage in direct trade with the EU.
      In his address, Vanhanen warned that time is running out. "If there is no agreement and Turkey does not honour its commitments, the EU will need to consider the implications for the accession process."
      If Turkey does not agree to open its airports and harbours to Cyprus, Turkey’s membership talks could be put on hold. However, Vanhanen said that all parties to the talks are ready to negotiate.
      "We are all on the same page. Therefore the Presidency still believes that a solution is possible."
     
Vanhanen said that Finland’s plan contains only a limited number of proposals, and that therefore, Finland is not trying to offer a perfect solution to the Cyprus question. "It is the task of the UN", Vanhanen observed.
      Northern Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat said on Monday that Turkish Cypriots are ready to continue negotiations with the Greek Cypriots on uniting the island. He said that the resolution must be based on the plan by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
      Talat noted that the EU cannot be a neutral, honest broker, because Greece and the Greek Cypriots are in the EU.
     
Vanhanen also expressed optimism that the dispute between Poland and Russia on the sale of Polish meat to Russia would be resolved. The issue is to be discussed at Friday’s summit between the EU and Russia.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Commissioner Rehn: Turkey must open its harbours to Cypriot ships (8.11.2006)
  Helsinki Cyprus meeting cancelled due to Turkish reluctance (3.11.2006)
  Finland wants to convene emergency meeting on Cyprus question (1.11.2006)

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