Turkey must accept acquis to join EU

British Minister of State for Europe Geoff Hoon has said that he made clear to Turkey that, in order to join the EU, it must accept the legal acquis, the legal basis of the Union.

”That means applying the Ankara Protocol allowing for free movement of vessels of all member states. As far as Turkey is concerned, the issue of Cyprus arises. That is why separate efforts have been made. This is in the context of the rules of the EU. That is a sensible way forward,” he added.

Replying to questions, Hoon noted that ”Britain has a special relationship with the people of Cyprus, there are substantial Cypriot communities in the United Kingdom and we obviously have Sovereign Base Areas on the island.”

”We have an interest in the outcome. We share the view that the people of Cyprus share that it is important that we work towards a settlement that respects the rights of all parties. That is one of the important reasons for our support of Turkish accession. I believe strategically it is in everyone’s interest for Turkey to join the EU. It is important for Turkey to continue with the negotiations, it is equally important for them to satisfy their obligations in law to the EU,” he added.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey, a country aspiring to become an EU member state, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and refuses to implement the EU-Turkey Customs Union Protocol, by opening its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft.