Brussels, 31/08/2005 (Agence Europe) - Turkey will be the key topic of discussion at the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Newport, South Wales, on 1 and 2 September. Ministers will discuss a European declaration following the declaration by Turkey annexed to the signing of a new Customs Agreement, in which it indicates that despite signing the Customs Agreement, it still does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. The meeting of EU25 diplomats in Brussels on Wednesday reached agreement in principle on the issuing of such a declaration, indicated several diplomats after the meeting. The countries not calling for such a declaration 'understand the need for France, Greece and Cyprus to obtain one, said one diplomatic, while another source indicated that although Turkey's response did not come as a surprise, many people think it is unfortunate.
The debate on Thursday afternoon focussed on the tone and substance of what Greece described as a counter-declaration. It is expected to discuss the issue of recognition of Cyprus and the implementation of the Customs Agreement and its assessment. Ministers will discuss the demand for Turkey to open its ports and airports to Cypriot ships and aircraft, but many would prefer a general declaration about respecting commitments rather than going into the practical implications in detail. Ministers are expected to present the outcome of their debates at a working dinner on Friday with the Turkish and Croatian foreign ministers. Discussions over the declaration and the framework for the accession negotiations with Turkey due to be adopted by 3 October, are expected to continue at COREPER, explained European diplomats. The symbolic launch of negotiations on 3 October has not been challenged, added the same sources.
After the strong statements by French politicians on this issue, French sources are delighted that the guidelines decided upon by COREPER are 'in the right direction'. French sources suggest the EU must issue a declaration reminding Turkey of the importance of sticking to its commitments. While highlighting the strong support in Greece for Turkey joining the EU, a spokesperson for the Greek foreign minister George Koumoupsakos said that 'As Turkey created a series of problems with this declaration, and the way it did it, the only way to answer is a clear counter-declaration from the EU side.' He said the counter-declaration should go beyond what was suggested by the British Presidency on Wednesday, both in terms of tone and in terms of content.
The 'Gymnich' foreign ministers' meeting will be looking at other issues too, discussing Croatia on Thursday afternoon. Over dinner, the ministers are reported to be planning to debate the Iran issue (see below) while Friday's dinner will look at the Middle East, with a briefing from Javier Solana, just back from the region, and the Quartet Envoy for monitoring the disengagement from Gaza, James Wolfensohn. Other issues on the agenda include the Balkans (particularly Kosovo), immigration (requested by Malta), Russia, and the idea of an international treaty on conventional arms sales to extend the EU's code of conduct.