By Martin Banks - 16th October 2009
The Cypriot government has urged the commission to take "particular measures" against Turkey in the event of Ankara not fulfilling its obligations towards the EU and the Republic of Cyprus.
Government spokesman Stephanos Stephanou's comments came after the commission released two reports - the annual progress report for Turkey and the enlargement strategy and main challenges 2009-2010.
The commission, in the reports, highlights Turkey's refusal to extend the customs union in order to include the Republic of Cyprus but holds back from recommending sanctions against Turkey.
"The government considers that the commission must recommend particular measures against Turkey if it continues not to implement its obligations," Stephanou said.
Stephanou noted that the EU foreign ministers council and the European council in December will assess Turkey's progress as well as whether it has fulfilled its obligations.
''The commission's progress report and the enlargement strategy constitute the signal for the commencement of deliberations for the assessment of Turkey's compliance,'' he added.
He said the commission's documents record "an absolute lack of progress with regard to the implementation of Turkish obligations".
Even so, some references on Cyprus appear to have improved, he said, such as the call on Turkey to contribute "in concrete terms" to a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.
Stephanou pointed out that while the commission records Turkey's public support to the UN-led talks for a Cyprus settlement, it stipulates that Ankara is expected "to support actively these talks and to take practical steps to contribute to creating a climate favourable to a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem".
Turkey, which seeks EU membership, has, since 1974, occupied Cyprus' northern part and refuses to comply with numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of its troops from Cyprus.
Ankara does not recognise the government of Cyprus and has been accused of refusing to meet its EU obligations towards the EU and Cyprus, by normalising relations with Nicosia and opening its ports and airports to Cypriot flagged vessels and aircraft.
Cyprus president Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in talks since September last year with a view to finding a negotiated settlement to reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
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