Turkish EU talks "difficult" without Cyprus deal: Brussels

The commission is scheduled to deliver its recommendations on Turkey’s candidacy in time for a December 2004 EU summit which will decide whether to allow Ankara to begin EU membership negotiations.
Meanwhile the EU executive confirmed that Cyprus will join the nine other candidates due to sign an accession treaty in Athens on April 16.
UN chief Kofi Annan announced the failure early Tuesday of last-ditch talks to end the 29-year division of the island. Without an accord only the internationally-recognized Greek part of the island will join the EU.
"The Commission regrets that the efforts… to find a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem have not been successful," said a commission statement.
But it added: "While such a settlement was the preference of the European Union, the Commission confirms that the accession process will go ahead as foreseen according to the existing timetable."
The spokesman added that the EU accession treaty to be signed next month includes legal provisions for amendment if and when a Cyprus reunification deal is signed.