EU-Turkey talks in new crisis
THE European Commission has recommended the partial suspension of membership talks with Turkey because of the Ankara government's refusal to open its ports to EU member Cyprus.
By Graham Dines
THE European Commission has recommended the partial suspension of membership talks with Turkey because of the Ankara government's refusal to open its ports to EU member Cyprus.
The decision is expected to be ratified at the heads of government conference in two weeks' time, although Prime Minister Tony Blair believes it will be a mistake to send the Turks a negative message on membership.
Finland's Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, is to visit Turkey on Friday in an attempt to resolve the stand-off.
You may also want to watch:
EU-Turkey talks now hinge on Ankara preparedness to trade with the Greek-speaking part of Cyprus that joined the union in 2004.
Most Read
- 1 Cook discusses Chambers' future after captain dropped at Charlton
- 2 'It was a tiny step forwards' - Cook on 0-0 draw at Charlton
- 3 Suffolk actress Helen McCrory dies following cancer battle
- 4 Matchday Live: Updates as Town travel to The Valley to face Charlton
- 5 Frustrated Suffolk farmer returns dumped items to householders
- 6 Suffolk-born Royal Ballet choreographer Liam Scarlett dies
- 7 Shopper eschew Suffolk's smaller towns to hit Primark
- 8 Missing Stowmarket man, 49, found safe and well
- 9 Why are 3,500 homes stood empty in Suffolk?
- 10 Blues ratings: How Town players performed in the draw at Charlton
