BBC News Online: World: Europe

Turkey prepares response on EU/Cyprus talks

The Turkish foreign minister, Ismail Cem, has denounced the inclusion of Cyprus in the enlargement negotiations.

He said that, by treating the Greek Cypriot administration as representing the whole island, the European Union was escalating tension in the region.

Mr Cem was speaking during a visit to the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where he is discussing strengthening ties with Ankara.

Turkish officials have warned that northern Cyprus could be integrated into Turkey if the Greek Cypriot part of the island joins the European Union.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service