Cypriot Foreign Minister George Iacovou laid down two conditions for fixing a date of starting talks on Turkey's accession to the European union. In an interview with Cypriot-Greek Sigma TV Iacovou stated that before December Turkey has to recognize the Cypriot Republic and to withdraw troops from the isle, otherwise fixing a negotiation date for Turkey would be illegal. The Minister also noted that Cyprus has drawn up a report for European lawyers, grounding the question. In his turn Cypriot President Tasos Papadopulos stated that to ensure fulfillment of those two conditions the country will retain its right for veto in the question of Turkey's accession to the EU.