Borrell Urges Turkey to Recognize Greeks

Cyprus continues to be a problem waiting for a solution, Borrell said, and the issue found its place in the EP decision. The start of negotiations "in a real sense" depends on Turkish recognition of the Greek side. Borrell added, "You cannot sit at the negotiation table with someone you do not know." A dialogue group including the Turkish Parliament, the European Parliament, the Joint Parliamentary Commission’s Co-Chairman Joost Lagendijk and Turkey Floor Manager Camiel Eurlings will accompany Borrell on his visit today. The EP President noted that the Turkey report, which was accepted by the Foreign Affairs Commission of the European Parliament, indicated that the Parliament supported the start of negotiations with Turkey. Borell said he was surprised that such a large majority approved the report. He said he could not ignore the possibility of changes to the Turkey report at the General Council.

Borrell will meet with Turkish President Ahmed Nejdet Sezer, Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Bulent Arinc, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and the Leader of Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deniz Baykal during his visit.