Greek Cyprus is ready to block the opening and closing of the EU’s negotiating chapters with Turkey if Ankara doesn’t open its ports and harbors to Greek Cypriot ships and planes, stated Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister George Lillikas. Stressing that the position of the Greek Cypriot administration on the issue remains firm, Lillikas said, “The policy we’re following is one that doesn’t allow Turkey’s smooth accession.” Asked about the Finnish warning to Turkey regarding fulfilling its commitments towards Greek Cyprus and the Union and the implementation of the Ankara protocol that extends the Customs Union to the 10 new EU members, including Greek Cyprus, Lillikas said, “If Turkey continues to maintain the same stance then there will be relative reactions and a relative stance on behalf of the Greek Cypriot government,” reports the New Anatolian.
We remind that Turkey has refused to open its ports and harbors for use by the Greek Cypriots unless the Union ends the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. However, the 25-nation bloc is demanding that Turkey open its ports to EU member Greek Cyprus by the end of this year. If not, Ankara’s entry talks, which began last fall, may be suspended.
