Turkey rejects Cyprus link to new EU chapters

Ankara quickly rejects a tentative proposal from the European Union on accession negotiations, refusing to open its ports to Greek Cypriot shipping in return for speedier chapter negotiations.

Turkey has rebuffed the European Union which offered to turn its “one-flower policy” into a “flourishing garden” of several chapters, if Turkey fulfills its obligation to fully implement measures that would open its ports to all EU members, including Greek Cyprus.

The statement from Brussels came after Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said more than one flower was necessary for spring, referring to the opening of only Chapter 22 on regional policy and the coordination of structural instruments.

Davutoğlu made the comments in a press conference at the meeting of the 51st EU-Turkey Association Council, attended by Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore and EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle. Chapter 22 is set to be the first chapter opened by Ankara in three years.

Under the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement, Turkey must open its ports and airports to Greek Cypriot ships and planes.