Rehn: "There is no deadline for Turkey opening its ports to Greek Cypriots ships"

There is no deadline for Turkey to open its ports to Greek Cypriots ships, European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn told the European Parliament yesterday. Stating that the EU should continue to support ongoing efforts to solve the Cyprus issue, helping Turkey assume a constructive role towards this end, Rehn said there is no deadline on the port opening. Rehn also noted the EU's failure to keep its promises to the Turkish Cypriots after they supported a 2004 UN plan to solve the issue. The EU had promised the Turkish Cypriots that in return for this support, the EU would lift its isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and start direct trade with the country, and had also pledged €250 million in financial aid.