Erdogan calls for the lifting the inhumane embargoes

The Greek Cypriots eased some trade and other restrictions on their northern neighbours last month, but international sanctions remain.

The visit comes three weeks after checkpoints between the two sides were opened allowing people on both sides to travel freely to the other side.

There is pressure on both sides to agree to reunification before the island joins the European Union in May 2004.

One sided UN-sponsored plan was rejected by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in March but remains on the table.