EU seeks to help Turkish Cypriots

Papadopoulos: Cyprus would veto efforts to recognise the north

European foreign ministers will discuss option for easing the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriot state.

The Turkish north voted in favour of a UN plan to reunify Cyprus in Saturday's referendum. But it was overwhelmingly rejected by Greek Cypriots.

Both sides had to approve the proposals for Cyprus to be reunified in time for European Union membership on 1 May.

The result means that only the Greek Cypriot south will join the EU, while Turkish Cypriots will miss out.

At a two-day meeting in Luxembourg, EU foreign ministers will seek measures to reward the Turkish Cypriots for their "yes" vote.

Turkish Cypriots endorsed the plan with a 65% majority. But over three-quarters of Greek Cypriots voted "no" in Saturday's referendum.

Turnout on both sides was high - at 88% on the Greek side and 87% in the Turkish sector.

According to the BBC's Chris Morris in Nicosia, some of the financial aid which had been pledged to help pay for a settlement could now be channelled to the Turkish Cypriots anyway.

But it is not clear whether this will be enough to satisfy those in the north of the divided island.

They want to see direct flights to their breakaway state restored immediately and they want to export their produce directly into Europe.

At the moment, Turkish Cypriots can legally trade only with Turkey - the sole country to recognise it, since the division of the island in 1974.

Careful negotiations

EU officials in Brussels said on Sunday they would consider everything short of official political recognition of the north of the island.

It may be difficult to lift the trade embargo completely as it was the result of judgments by the European Court of Justice.

Guide to Cyprus

But it would be possible to remove tariffs on farm products or fund infrastructure developments.

Our correspondent warns the EU will have to proceed carefully on the matter.

Greek Cypriots would fight extremely hard against anything which casts doubt on their internationally recognised status as the legitimate government of the whole island after it joins the club next Saturday, he says.

Possible veto

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos told a news conference that the Cypriot government would ensure Turkish Cypriots benefit from the island's accession to the EU.

"The Greek Cypriots are not turning their backs on their Turkish Cypriot compatriots," he said.

"On the contrary we shall work for a solution that will meet the hopes and aspirations of both communities."

But according to AFP news agency, when asked whether Cyprus would veto any EU efforts to lift sanctions against the north, Mr Papadopoulos said he could never accept recognition of the state.

"There can be no question of recognition. Subject to that we are open to everything else," he said.