US’s Bryza discussing Turkey customs union in Brussels

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Bryza was on Brussels on Monday to discuss Turkey’s obligation to extend the EU-Turkey customs union agreement to Cyprus as well as the stalled regulations on Turkish Cypriot trade and aid.

Turkey is currently undergoing the screening process for accession talks.

Last month Cyprus rejected Turkey’s offer to implement the Ankara protocol on the customs union in return for the implementation of the two regulations affecting Tukish cypriots.

Bryza met senior members of the Directorate General for Enlargement, Jean Christophe Filori and Michael Lee.

During his meetings Bryza discussed accession negotiations with Turkey, the regulation for the financial assistance to Turkish Cypriots and direct trade with Turkish Cypriots, two regulations that are pending at the General Affairs Council, as well as the implementation of the customs union agreement on the part of Turkey.

According to CNA sources, Commission representatives told Bryza that there is deadlock on both issues and great efforts are required to find a solution and to create a different climate.

Meanwhile, following rumours that Bryza was planning to visit Cyprus, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said he had no official information about any planned visit by Bryza to Cyprus.