Cyprus, Turkey and the EU: Time for a sense of proportion and compromise

The start of Turkish accession talks provided a faint glimmer of hope for unfreezing the Cyprus stalemate that has prevailed since the Greek Cypriots voted down a UN-sponsored settlement plan in 2004. However, the negotiations could be blocked unless Turkey fully implements its customs union agreement with the EU by allowing Greek Cypriot ships into its ports. Turkey has refrained from doing so because the EU has not fulfilled its pledge to restore trade links with Northern Cyprus.

Lord Hannay of Chiswick was the British government’s Special Representive for Cyprus between 1996 and 2003.