Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis called on Turkey to recognise Cyprus as a
necessary step to entering the European Union.
The case of Cyprus
22.09.2006
Although Cyprus
became an EU member in May 2004, Turkey has so far refused to extend
its customs union agreement - an implicit form of recognition - or to
accept Cypriot ships and aeroplanes in Turkey.
"Turkey must accept the metabolism which is necessary
inside Turkey to become a European member, which means
that she accepts the European value system," Bakoyannis said.
Turkey's accession hopes have been flagging recently.
The European Parliament drafted a critical assessment of its internal
reforms this month, saying that it needs to extend equal rights to minorities.
An even more critical report is expected from the European Commission next month.
Bakoyannis was in New York to preside over the United Nations Security
Council meetings that would, among other things, discuss whether to
impose sanctions on Iran for uranium enrichment. Meanwhile,
President Karolos Papoulias carried Greece's message of recognition for Cyprus to Germany.
Bulgarian