Six chapters are connected with Turkey’s obligations towards Cyprus

Cyprus Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou has said that the six EU – Turkey negotiating chapters which Nicosia included Tuesday in its unilateral declaration at the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council are connected with Turkey's obligations towards Cyprus.

Speaking Wednesday to CNA from Brussels, Kyprianou noted that the six chapters have to do with Turkey's obligation to normalise its relations with the Republic of Cyprus and are linked with Ankara's reaction to Cyprus' sovereign right to explore its Exclusive Economic Zone for hydrocarbon reserves.

He pointed out that apart from the six chapters, there are eight more EU – Turkey negotiating chapters which remain frozen since 2006.

Replying to questions he said that there is a difference between the unofficial declaration of opposition from the official connection of those chapters with Turkey's obligations towards Cyprus.

Asked about the preconditions that will be set by Nicosia for the opening of the six negotiating chapters, he said that they will be announced on time adding that ''they will surely be connected with Turkey's obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus''.
Regarding the chapter on the environment, he said that if it is technically ready, then it will open by the Intergovernmental Conference that will take place December 21st.

He clarified that Cyprus is not opposing to the opening of the above chapter.