EU FMs adopt text direct trade with Turkish Cypriots

The EU 27 Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in Brussels adopted a text by which they express their will for the recommencement of work aiming at implementing April 2004 conclusions with a view to promote the financial development of the Turkish Cypriot community. Cyprus was represented at the meeting by Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas.
Diplomatic sources in Brussels said that any discussions are not expected to begin within the next days, as the EU German Presidency wishes to prepare the issue properly, in cooperation with the Cypriot government.
The text was already adopted by COREPER and no country took the floor on the issue today, while the Presidency made no announcement as regards the deadline for the beginning of the work.
The adopted text said that “with respect to the implementation of its April 2004 conclusions, the Council notes the progress made in particular as regards the financial aid regulation, the objective of which is to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus. Work aiming at the adoption of the Commission proposal for a Council Regulation on special conditions for trade with areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control, must resume without delay.”
Lillikas met in the framework of the Council with British Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon, at the latter’s initiative.
Hoon expressed his will to visit Cyprus before Easter, something which Lillikas accepted, noting that he is more than welcome.