Cyprus says Turkey must open ports

Cyprus said on Friday that Turkey must open its ports to Greek Cypriots without setting conditions, rejecting Ankara's stand that it would do so only if the EU established trade links with the Turkish Cypriots.

The European Union has told Turkey, which is negotiating EU membership, that it must lift its blockade on Greek Cypriot ship and air traffic, and is expected to assess Turkish compliance this year.

Non compliance would further complicate Ankara's troubled talks with the bloc. Cyprus is an EU member, represented by the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government.

"Unfortunately, Turkey has not taken even one step to meet its obligations," said Stefanos Stefanou, a Greek Cypriot government spokesman.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and chief EU negotiator Egemen Bagis said on Thursday that Ankara wanted guarantees the bloc would end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots before it would open its ports to the Greek Cypriots.

The Greek Cypriots say Turkey's obligation is unconditional.

"Turkey is obliged to open its ports and airports to the Republic of Cyprus, and this obligation is not linked to any obligation of either the European Union or the Republic of Cyprus toward Turkey," Stefanou said.

Cyprus's ethnic Greeks and Turks have lived apart since a Turkish invasion in 1974 triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup, following years of sporadic inter-communal violence.

Turkish Cypriots run a statelet in northern Cyprus recognised only by Ankara. While Greek Cypriots represent the island worldwide, the Turkish Cypriot economy is largely closed, its unrecognised status barring it from direct air links with the outside world.

The two Cypriot sides started reunification talks a year ago, and diplomats want them to reach agreement on the island's future before Turkish Cypriot elections early next year. (R)