September 21, 2007
Cyprus and Turkey in Emergency Summit
In an effort to reach a compromise between Cyprus and Turkey, an emergency meeting was arranged in Helsinki. The emergency meeting was triggered by the possible accession of Turkey to the European Union (EU). The Cypriot government is against Turkey’s plans. As the accession nears, the Cypriot government has been vocally objecting Turkey’s plan to join the European Union. However, the Turkish government does not recognize the Greek-Cypriot government. In fact, the Turkish government does not allow Greek-Cypriot shipping access to their ports as a direct breach of EU protocol. In return, Cyprus continues to object Turkey’s plan to join the EU. Meantime, Turkey insists that the EU end its embargo on the northern part of Cyprus which Turkey currently occupies.
There are talks of handing Famagusta, a city on the east coast of Cyprus, to the European Union. Presently, the Turkish government controls the Cyprus port in Famagusta. This proposal will allow shipping to use the port freely. At the same time, the resort of Varosha, considered a ghost town since the Turks invaded the area in 1974, will be handled by the UN. All properties will be returned to Greek-Cypriot owners. Turkey will also be required to open some of its ports to Greek-Cypriot shipping.
Presently, Turkey is being criticized for slowing reforms on human rights and free speech. These concerns are shared by many EU member nations. The Finns, who currently hold the EU presidency, are working hard get a compromise deal to avoid the issue from reaching crisis point at the EU leaders’ summit.
Posted on: Cyprus
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