Germany and Finland called on Tuesday for a solution by the end of the year to the Cyprus question in order to clear the way for Turkey to join the European Union.

"We want a solution," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel after meeting visiting Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, who currently holds the rotating EU presidency.

She said that Finland had made important proposals that would offer a window of opportunity to find solutions concerning Turkey's relations with the divided island of Cyprus.

Vanhanen said that the remaining weeks of the year could be enough to find a solution.

German news agency DPA quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the solution could include withdrawing Turkish troops from the east Cypriot city of Famagusta.

Ankara has already indicated willingness to endorse the expansion of a customs union to all new members, representing its indirect recognition of Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers.

The Republic of Cyprus is internationally recognized while the breakaway north is only supported by Ankara.

Germany will take the EU presidency in January.

Source: Xinhua