BRUSSELS (AA) - The deadlock regarding Cyprus issue during negotiations at the EU Summit in Brussels was overcome by the written statement of the Turkish government.
Turkish State Minister Besir Atalay signed the statement which was conveyed to EU officials as a letter.
Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent, ``the letter was not signed by Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul because he does not have an interlocutor at the Council as he is deputy prime minister as well.``
Stressing that the final target of the accession negotiations which will start on October 3rd, 2005 is full membership, diplomatic sources said, ``negotiation process will only be halted if an adjustment cannot be achieved to the Copenhagen criteria in political, economic and other aspects.``
Diplomats said in the final statement of the summit that the obstacle regarding Cyprus was overcome with a statement of the Turkish government. They added, ``Turkish government`s adapting Ankara Agreement to 10 new members of the EU will be completed until the starting date of negotiations.``
Sources said, ``this statement will never mean the recognition of Greek Cypriot administration. This issue was stressed by the Netherlands which holds the rotating EU presidency, and Britain.``
The expression regarding permanent derogations was also changed in the final statement.
(GC-MS)
17.12.2004 - 19:34:00