Brussels, 14/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - Meeting in COREPER on Wednesday, the representatives of the EU's Member States did not manage to strike agreement on the EU counter-declaration to Turkey's declaration on 29 July that it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. Diplomatic sources explain that some progress was made on a new draft document submitted by the British Presidency to its partners on Wednesday (taking account of the British Presidency's consultations with several Member States, including France and Cyprus, over the last few days, see EUROPE 9025), but various areas are still sensitive. Firstly, there's the question of the recognition of Cyprus since most Member States feel it is important to stress in the counter-declaration that recognition of Cyprus will not only be indispensable when Turkey potentially joins the EU but also well in advance since it is a vital component of the accession negotiations. Cyprus and Greece both oppose the idea of making a connection in the counter-statement between Turkey's recognition of Cyprus and UN efforts to achieve a political solution to the Cyprus problem. The two countries support Kofi Annan's efforts but feel the question of recognition must only be seen in the context of Turkey potentially joining the EU in the future, rather than being linked with any future political settlement of the Cyprus issue.
COREPER on Wednesday discussed the negotiating framework that has to be adopted by the Council before the accession negotiations are opened with Turkey on 3 October. Diplomats suggest Austria is rather isolated in its demand for a Privileged Partnership with Turkey (rather than membership) to be an option in the negotiating framework. Other countries pointed out their 'sensitivities' with regard to Turkey joining the EU, stressing the open nature of the negotiations and pointing out the need to take account of the EU's capacity to absorb Turkey when the actual final decision on its membership is made. The British Presidency is planning to continue consultations on both issues, the counter-statement and the negotiating framework, and return to COREPER by next week at the latest, with new proposals. A British Presidency spokesperson said they hoped to be able to continue to make progress by negotiating at ambassador level without having to hold a special meeting of foreign affairs ministers (as desired by Cyprus).