Solution Efforts in Cyprus Gear up After April 17

The Erdogan and Karamanlis meeting, which took place at the Villa Lorraine restaurant, lasted about two hours. Erdogan in a statement to journalists saying: "We, as the two guarantor states, were positive on the Cyprus matter. We are in favor of the issue being handled in the United Nations (UN) surround." Turkish Prime Minister also reminded that political willpower to sign the Ankara Protocol before October 3 , which envisages the expansion of Customs Union to 10 new European Union (EU) members including Greek Cyprus, still exists. Erdogan also stressed that Greek support for Turkey’s EU membership on December 17 EU Summit still continues.

Implications over Croatia

Reportedly, Karamanlis pointed out during the meeting that the EU will be strict about the EU membership requirements from now on, insinuating the situation with Croatia and implied that it should be a warning to Turkey to keep up with the reforms.

Before meeting with Erdogan, Karamanlis met with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder in the German capital, Berlin. The Greek Prime Minister pointed out at a joint meeting with Schroder that they also touched on Turkey- EU relations and said: "I support Turkey’s EU bid. But it is essential Turkey fulfill the requirements. Turkey should sign the Ankara Protocol on time." On the other hand, Schroder, agreeing with Karamanlis, said: "Turkey should fulfill its responsibilities and, it will." The Chancellor was asked about the arguments suggesting "Turkish negotiations would be cancelled", uttered by some of his fellow party members the Parliament and responded, "I did not hear any argument regarding the negotiation cancellation." Erdogan today will participate in the summit of the European People’s Parties (EPP), who are bitter opponents of Turkey’s EU membership and he will have the opportunity tomeet with many right wing leaders.