December 18, 2006 - 17:33 AMT
Cypriot FM: We May Still Veto EU-Turkey Talks
Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister George Lillikas said on Sunday that the Greek Cypriot administration may still veto opening of chapters with Turkey in its EU accession talks. 'We cannot close our eyes to the behavior of Turkey vetoing our membership to the international organizations. Under these conditions nobody should expect opening of any chapter in Turkey's accession talks," Lillikas said. The Greek Cypriot foreign minister was referring to Ankara's veto of Greek Cypriot membership to several international organizations and activities including the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and participation in strategic EU-NATO discussions. The Greek Cypriot administration claims sovereignty on the whole island including the Turkish north, while Turkey only recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, reports The New Anatolian.