BRUSSELS, Dec 16 (AFP) - European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso called on Turkey to show its goodwill and recognize Cyprus "sooner rather than later," while reiterating that the EU should open its doors to Ankara.
"It's about time for Europe to say 'yes' to Turkey ... but it's also time for Turkey to say 'yes' to Europe," he said on arrival at an EU summit expected to approve the start of membership negotiations with Ankara.
The Cyprus issue has become one of the biggest stumbling blocks to Turkey's hopes of seeing its four-decade drive to be embraced into the European fold reach fruition at the Brussels talks.
Asked how rapidly the EU wants Turkey to formally recognize the governnment in the Mediterranean island, Barroso said: "Sooner rather than later," urging Turkish leaders "to show by their acts that they are really ready for coming in this joint project with us."
"We should not impose now new conditions," he said, but added: "It's important for Turkey to win the hearts and minds of Europeans.
"They should take the initiative to show their goodwill that they are ready to engage in serious negotiations to become members of this very demanding union."
Cyprus has been divided along ethnic lines since 1974, when Turkish troops occupied its northern third. Ankara only recognises the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
12/16/2004 17:14 GMT - AFP