Caramanlis Asks Erdogan To Recognize Cyprus (Greek Cypriot) Republic

BRUSSELS (AA) - Greek Premier Costas Caramanlis told Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan that they want Turkey to recognize Cyprus (Greek Cypriot) republic.
     Sources said that during Erdogan-Caramanlis meeting, Cyprus issue was discussed and Caramanlis told Erdogan, ``it is unacceptable if a country which wants to be an EU member does not recognize an EU member.``
     Sources said that Caramanlis told Erdogan, ``at the first stage Turkey can sign Customs Union protocol covering all new members of the EU and then it can officially recognize Cyprus (Greek Cypriot) republic.`` Erdogan in return said, ``a solution within the framework of the UN is necessary in Cyprus,`` and he repeated Turkish thesis.
     Erdogan did not present a new proposal to Caramanlis, added sources.
     Sources said, ``at the current stage, negotiations are still continuing. Other EU member countries also have the same stance as Athens.``
     (GC-MS)
2004-12-16