The Eurocommission has suggested to partially freeze the talks with Turkey over its membership in the EU, reports AFP referring to an anonymous source at the EU. According to his information, that step by the EU top executive is due to Turkish authorities refusing to open ports for ships sailing under the flag of the Republic of Cyprus. It is reported that the talks will be ceased on 8 out of 35 items referring to relations of Turkey with Cyprus authorities. A Cyprus representative stated that the Turkish party will have to compromise sooner or later, as without adjusting the entire list of requirements the EU accession will be closed to it.

December 11, 2006 EU FMs will gather for a wide-composition meeting. They will have to adopt or reject the Eurocommission proposal. British PM Tony Blair has already stated that Turkey's refusal from EU membership will be "a serious mistake."

November 27 the talks between EU, represented by Finnish FM Erkki Tuomioja, and Turkey over Cyprus were futile, given the Eurocommission presenting an ultimatum to Turkish authorities demanding to meet all requirements to the united Europe. For latest several months the EU threatened Turkey with full or partial stopping of the talks, if it closes ports to Cyprus ships. In exchange Ankara demands canceling sanctions against unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in compliance with agreements of 2004, reports Lenta.ru.