ANKARA - European Union (EU) Commissioner for enlargement Guenter Verheugen has said that accession negotiations between the EU and the Greek Cypriot administration had been concluded successfully, adding, ''Cyprus will join the EU in May 2004, nothing can change this.''
Verheugen who came to Ankara late on Thursday to attend the EU Troika meeting answered reporters' questions at Esenboga Airport.
When asked whether or not he believed a solution to Cyprus could be reached until February 28, Verheugen said he believed the issue would be solved as soon as possible if there was good will.
''There is opportunity until February. The decision has been taken. Talks with Cyprus have been concluded successfully. Cyprus will join the EU in May 2004. Nothing can change this. The point here is whether or not this would be a united Cyprus,'' he said.
Noting that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) officials should not ignore demands of their people, Verheugen said he agreed with Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan's opinions, and the plan presented to the sides by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan was the best plan that had been put forward so far.
''There won't ever be a better plan than this,'' he said.
Stating that Annan's plan had been prepared in a way that would provide Turkish Cypriots with political and economic future, Verheugen asked the Turkish government to use its influence for reaching a solution in the island on the basis of United Nations.
Noting that he believed Troika meeting on Friday would be beneficial and constructive, Verheugen said that the political dialogue between Turkey and the EU, which had been initiated by EU Term President Greece's Foreign Minister George Papandreou, was very important.
Defining start of political dialogue as proof of development of relations, Verheugen said that this dialogue covered Middle East peace and strategic issues like Cyprus in addition to several technical issues.
Noting that he would hold talks with AK Party leader Erdogan, Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis and Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal, Verheugen said that issues such as development of accession partnership, financial support to Turkey and Turkish government's economic policies for fulfillment of the EU criteria would be taken up at the meeting.
Replying a question, Verheugen said that there was not any difference of opinion in Europe about the Iraq issue, and he stressed that Europe was in favor of giving a chance to efforts to find a peaceful solution.
When asked whether or not Turkey's playing an active role in a possible military operation against Iraq would affect its relations with the EU, Verheugen said that they were aware of Turkey's sensitive position and special conditions.
Emphasizing that the EU's enlargement process was a long-term strategy, Verheugen told reporters, ''I do not suppose that Iraq crisis would affect Turkey's relations with the EU.''