20 September 2005 (RFE/RL) -- European Union ministers are expected today to formally approve a declaration concerning Turkey's refusal to recognize EU-member Cyprus.
Agreement on the declaration is said to clear the way for membership talks between the EU and Turkey to begin on 3 October as scheduled.
Diplomats were reported late on 19 September to have secured agreement on a declaration saying that Ankara must recognize Cyprus' government before any eventual admission of Turkey to the EU.
The declaration is also reported to call on Turkey to implement fully an EU-Turkey customs accord with all EU member states, including Cyprus.
Turkey refuses to recognize Cyprus' government, which effectively controls only the Greek south of the island. Ankara instead currently recognizes the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north.
(AP/AFP/dpa)
For RFE/RL's coverage of events in Turkey, see "News And Features On Turkey"
Diplomats were reported late on 19 September to have secured agreement on a declaration saying that Ankara must recognize Cyprus' government before any eventual admission of Turkey to the EU.
The declaration is also reported to call on Turkey to implement fully an EU-Turkey customs accord with all EU member states, including Cyprus.
Turkey refuses to recognize Cyprus' government, which effectively controls only the Greek south of the island. Ankara instead currently recognizes the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north.
(AP/AFP/dpa)
For RFE/RL's coverage of events in Turkey, see "News And Features On Turkey"