[autom.vertaling] Verheugen: Uitbreiding niet mogelijk zonder Cyprus (en)
Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen said that the next EU enlargement will not be possible without Cyprus. Speaking in Paris, Mr Verheugen appeared optimistic about an agreement on the island, stressing however that this will not be a precondition for Cyprus's EU accession.
His comments came after speculations suggesting the EU may omit Cyprus from the next enlargement, so as to alleviate the pressure on the talks. This move, however, would have jeopardised the whole enlargement process, as Greece has threatened to block enlargement if Cyprus is not admitted.
UN talks early October
"We do not have yet an agreement but an agreement is possible'', Commissioner Verheugen said in Paris. The Cyprus talks between the Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash have so far led to no breakthrough. Hopes are now being put to the New York meeting with UN secretary general Kofi Annan on the 3-4 October.
The Greek and Turkish Cypriots have so far failed to reconcile their differing views about the future of the island. Whilst the Turkish Cypriots want a confederation of two sovereign states, the Greek Cypriots want a unitary federation and a "reinstitution of property rights."
Turkish Cypriot position conflicting with EU position
The position that the Turkish Cypriot side is continuing to support does not however, fit with that of the European Union ideals, as the EU wants Cyprus to be able to speak with one voice and with the ability to implement EU laws in the whole of the island's territory. However, the Turkish Foreign Affairs Minster Sukru Sina Gurel has backed Mr Denktash's claim.
"Turkey will not accept Turkish Cypriots to be considered as if they are an inexistent nation of a state which does not exist", Mr Gurel said.
Turkey lobbying for EU membership date
The Turkish Foreign Affairs Minster Sukru Sina Gurel is currently touring London, Paris and Copenhagen, in a bid to gain support for the country's EU membership. Mr Gurel sees the result of the German election on Sunday, as a positive development for the Turkish-EU relations.