Turkey rebuffs Cyprus over ports

A UN "green line" separates Greek and Turkish Cypriots

Turkey will not open its ports and airports to Cyprus so long as Turkish Cypriots in the north of the island remain isolated, Turkey's PM says.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said he was prepared for a possible suspension of membership talks with the EU.

Cyprus threatens to block the talks if Turkey fails to open its ports and airports and recognise the Cyprus government, in line with EU rules.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkey invaded the island's north in 1974.

Turkey's invasion came in response to an abortive Greek Cypriot coup backed by the military junta ruling Greece at the time.

"So long as the Turkish Cypriots remain isolated, we will not open our ports and airports. If the (EU) negotiations halt, then let them halt," Mr Erdogan told Turkish business leaders.

Complex negotiations

The self-styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is recognised only by Turkey.

The Cyprus row almost derailed the opening of Turkey's detailed accession talks with the EU on Monday.

Deadlock was avoided only when the EU foreign ministers decided to remind Turkey of its obligations.

A first round of talks, on science and research, was concluded, sealing the first of 35 policy areas scheduled for discussion.

Talks on all 35 "chapters" are expected to take about 10 years.

Turkey says recognition of Cyprus is linked to a UN-sponsored peace plan to reunite the island, which Turkish Cypriots accepted but Greek Cypriots rejected in 2004.