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30 April 2012

Bagis: EU Not to Open New Chapter with Turkey During Greek Cypriot Presidency

Turkey's EU Minister Egemen Bagis said that a new chapter would not be opened in Turkey's membership negotiations with the EU while Greek Cypriot administration would be holding the rotating presidency of the EU.

The presidency of Greek Cypriot administration will not change Turkey's stance, added Bagis who spoke to private NTV channel on Saturday.

Our relations with the commission, parliament and EU member states will continue similarly, he said.

But, we will not establish a relation with Greek Cypriot administration just because some countries call it EU president, said Bagis.

If Greek Cypriot administration calls on us to open a new chapter, we will give a date after the presidency of Greek Cypriots, said Bagis.

He added that EU enlargement commissioner Stefan Fule would visit Ankara on May 17.