By Martin Banks - 8th February 2012
I am encouraging both sides to reach a comprehensive settlement
Egemen Bagis
Turkish EU affairs minister Egemen Bagis has called for a speedy resolution of the Cyprus problem.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, he voiced hope that the long-running dispute would be resolved by the summer when Cyprus is due to take over the EU rotating presidency.
He said, "I hope the leaders of the island's two communities can shake hands before July."
The southern, Greek-part of the island was allowed to join the EU in 2004 but the northern, Turkish-controlled area of Cyprus remains outside and is recognised only by Turkey.
The island has been divided since a bitter civil war in 1974 when thousands of Turkish troops were sent to quell a Greek-led revolt. Some 30,000 Turkish soldiers still remain on the island.
Turkey has threatened to boycott the Cypriot EU presidency but, after a meeting with parliament's new president Martin Schulz, Bagis adopted a more conciliatory tone.
He said he was optimistic a deal would be struck between the two communities "so that this does not become an issue but an opportunity".
"That is why I am encouraging both sides to reach a comprehensive settlement for the future of the island."
Schulz said the two men had an "intense and in-depth" discussion about several topics, including the thorny issue of the visa regime between the EU and Turkey.
He also said that despite the misgivings of some Turkey should still be offered the opportunity to eventually join the EU, adding, "We know this may be a long way off but Turkey should still be given a fair chance of joining."
On the visa issue, Bagis said people in his country were alone among candidate countries in having to apply for a visa to visit most member states.
He said, "This does not make sense, not least because it would help the eurozone crisis if Turks were allowed to visit Europe more freely as tourists."
