Cyprus applauds Germany's proposal to set a deadline for Turkey

The Cypriot government voiced its full support on Tuesday to a German proposal which would set a strict deadline for Turkey to fulfill its obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus.

"If elections in Turkey next year are considered a preventive factor towards the implementation of the Turkish commitments, the period of 18 months suggested by Germany provides Ankara the easiness to respond to the obligations it has undertaken without pretending to face any internal difficulty or any political cost," Cyprus News Agency quoted government spokesman Christodoulos Pashiardis as saying.

The spokesman added that after 18 months there would be "no excuse" for a possible reluctance and denial of Turkey to comply with the European indications.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested that the EU give Turkey 18 months to open its air and sea ports to Greek Cypriot craft as a condition for resuming full EU membership talks and seeks other EU states' backing for the deadline.

However, the European Commission urged Germany and France through its spokeswoman on Tuesday not to set a strict deadline for Turkey on Cyprus issue, saying that such time limits had not worked in the past.

The European Commission is trying to find a balanced solution by demonstrating the consequences for Turkey if it does not fulfill its obligations, while keeping the accession process open, given Turkey's strategic importance.

But the Cypriot government spokesman claimed that all those who pursue to avoid a deadline "just encourage the Turkish provocations and reinforce the European tolerance of Turkey".

The European Commission last week recommended slowing down Turkey's entry talks by freezing eight of the 35 negotiating chapters, or policy areas, after Ankara refused to fully extend a customs agreement to Cyprus.

Source: Xinhua