Turkey’s provocative stance prevailed at Tampere

Government Spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardes has said that hopes for some progress in the Cyprus question have faded in Tampere where, he noted, Turkey’s unyielding, provocative and negative stance has prevailed.

“The failure of the Finnish effort, even if it was not a surprise, is still a sad development and a disappointing outcome,” Pashiardes said, commenting on the absence of any agreement on a Finnish initiative to avert a crisis in EU-Turkish relations.

The Greek Cypriot side, he said, has done its utmost to see the Finnish Presidency effort succeed.

“The Turkish side has tried and finally succeeded in seeing this initiative collapse. This is the reality of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Responding to questions about the “constructive” attitude of the two sides, as Finland has said, the spokesman noted that at this stage the EU presidency does not wish to apportion any blame.

“However the Finnish Presidency knows very well which side has cooperated constructively with it and which side worked for the failure of its initiative,” he added.

On the possibility of slowing down Turkey’s accession negotiations, he said the 25 EU members will decide on the matter, taking into account Turkey’s refusal to meet its EU obligations, including opening its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft.

“The fact that the Cyprus problem has not been solved does not constitute a legal and acceptable justification for Turkey not to comply with its EU commitments towards the Republic of Cyprus,” he added, responding to questions during his press briefing.

He stressed that the Cyprus problem and Turkey’s EU obligations are two separate things and are not linked in any way.

Replying to other questions, the spokesman said that there is no reason to suspend Turkey’s accession negotiations but there is every reason to take measures against Ankara, in that it refuses to meet its European obligations.