Cyprus problem is an obstacle to Turkey’s EU accession

The Cyprus problem remains a very difficult issue and is an obstacle in Turkey’s accession to the EU, said Bernard Kouchner, the French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs.

Kouchner made the statement while answering questions at the Brookings Institution in Washington following an address on the new U.S. administration and the future of transatlantic cooperation.

The French Minister expressed satisfaction that the two leaders in Cyprus are engaged in talks without necessarily the involvement of Athens and Ankara adding the last talks create hopes.

Answering questions by the President of the institution, Strobe Talbott, the head of French diplomacy noted his country’s official position, as expressed by President Nicolas Sarkozy, that Turkey cannot become a full member of the EU.

He noted that negotiations will continue on various chapters, adding that it is not merely France which objects to Turkey’s accession but also Cyprus.

Turkey, which aspires to become an EU member, has been occupying 37% of Cyprus’ territory since 1974 and is refusing to open its ports and airports to Cypriot vessel and aircraft, as called for in the Ankara Protocol. Cyprus has been an EU member since 1st May 2004.

President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat are engaged in direct negotiations with an aim to solve the political problem.