EU Commissioner and Turkish opposition leader discuss Cyprus question

Turkey’s course towards the EU and the Cyprus question were discussed during a meeting here on Monday between EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn and Turkish main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal.

In statements after the meeting, Rehn expressed the full commitment of the European Commission to supporting Turkey’s accession course through the implementation of the negotiating framework of 2005, which, as he said, both sides have accepted unanimously.

Referring to political and legal reforms in Turkey, Rehn expressed hope that both the governing party and the opposition in Turkey will work towards the approval of a new law on the trade unions so that the chapter on Social Policy and Employment will open.

Rehn said that they discussed the Cyprus question, noting that the Commission fully supports the ongoing talks to achieve a comprehensive settlement, with a view to reaching a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus.

He said he informed Baykal that he is going to visit Cyprus by the end of this week to express the Commission’s support and readiness to support the ongoing direct talks and a settlement through its legal and technical expertise.

The reunification of Cyprus through a bizonal, bicommunal federation is very important for Europe, and of course for Cyprus itself, but also for Turkey, he noted.

In his remarks, Baykal said that he reiterated his commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus question on the basis of “two communities, equality and the establishment of a new federal state”.

He expressed hope that any difficulties in the Cyprus question will not create any impediments to EU- Turkey relations and that by the end of the year these will not be re-evaluated in relation to the situation in Cyprus.

Baykal expressed hope that the EU will proceed with the opening of the chapter on energy for Turkey.

Turkey, which aspires to become an EU member state, occupies Cyprus’ northern third since 1974, when its military troops invaded the island.