Besprekingen tussen Grieks- en Turks-Cyprioten kunnen spanning Turkijke-EU verminderen (en)

The prospect of a major crisis in Turkey's EU entry negotiations later this year was defused somewhat over the weekend as Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders agreed to resume peace talks.

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopolous and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on Saturday (8 July) approved a framework for UN-sponsored negotiations, following mediation by under-secretary general Ibrahim Gambari.

The move represents a breakthrough after a two-year stall of contacts between the two sides, following the 2004 rejection by Greek Cypriots of a reunification plan by UN chief Kofi Annan.

The talks will focus on practical confidence-building measures in areas such as water and energy management, but it is hoped that they will also defuse political tension over the Cyprus issue which hangs like a Damocles sword over Turkey's negotiations to join the EU.

EU diplomats have predicted a crisis in Turkey's ongoing entry talks with Brussels later this year if Ankara continues to refuse to open its territory to ships and airplanes from Cyprus, which entered the EU as a divided island in 2004.

Turkey first expects the EU to allow direct trade with the Turkish-populated northern part of Cyprus, which suffers from economic isolation fostered by an international trade embargo.

The EU enlargement commissioner has warned for the scenario of a "train crash" if Ankara does not fulfill its obligations.

Saturday's agreement, hailed by the UN's Mr Gambari as a "very historic occasion," includes a series of expert meetings on day-to-day issues.

But at the same time, Greek and Turkish Cypriot diplomats will at a political level tackle more fundamental issues like territory, property rights, troop withdrawals and governance.

According to Greek media, the two sides on Saturday pledged to commit themselves to the idea of a reunified Cyprus as a federation with two communities, as set out by UN Security Council resolutions.

But western diplomats reacted guardedly to the deal, with one diplomat telling Reuters "as with everything related to Cyprus, it should never be taken as a given."

Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul pledged support to the Turkish Cypriot side, saying "we support [Turkish Cypriot president ] Mr Talat. I hope the international community, one more time, will see how constructive the Turkish side is," according to Turkish media.

He added that the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the north of the island is "out of the question."

Cyprus has been divided since a Turkish invasion of the north of the island in 1974, after a Greek-inspired army coup.

Turkey itself started accession negotiations with the EU in October last year.