VERHEUGEN: "EU MUST KEEP ITS PROMISES ON CYPRUS"

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis met with the former Vice President of the European Commission Gunter Verheugen and Portfolio Manager of The Royal Bank of Scotland Paul de Kroon.

Speaking after the meeting which was held in the EUSG Ortakoy Office, Bagis noted that when Verheugen was the EU enlargement commissioner, he was struggling for Turkey to start negotiations with the EU after waiting 45 years.

Indicating that Mr. Verheugen followed the negotiation process of Turkey closely, Bagis said "Verheugen had a very important role in Turkey and he followed the changes that have been achieved in Turkey during the EU accession process. He was very informed about the Cyprus issue which is one of the most sensitive issues of the European Union. He had witnessed the promises given to the Turks of Cyprus, before, during and after the Annan Plan."

Verheugen noted that in order Turkey's EU negotiation process to be kept alive, there was a need for all obstacles in the way to be removed and said "It is our responsibility to provide an equal and full accession for Turkish Cypriots to the EU market. I think the EU has the obligation to implement what it promised to the people."

Source: AA