Israel Matzav

Turkey caves

Turkey, which is not even a member yet, has dropped its refusal to deal with the EU once Cyprus takes over its rotating Presidency next year.

Egemen Bağış, the state minister and Turkey's chief negotiator for EU affairs, said in televised remarks that Turkey will only avoid contact with the Greek Cypriot presidency.

“Our relations with the EU Commission and the EU Parliament will remain intact. We will just not sit across the same table as the term's presidency,” Bağış said.

Bağış's remarks follow earlier statements from Turkish leaders that Turkey will freeze its relations with the EU, if Greek Cypriots assume the EU presidency without any settlement in Cyprus being reached. Greek Cyprus, not recognized by Turkey, is scheduled to take over the EU presidency for six months in the second half of 2012.

Now,if only everyone would stop humoring them when it comes to their relationship with Israel.

Labels: Cyprus, European Union, Turkey

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:47 AM