DW: Germany's EU Presidency Plans Marred by Turkey Dispute

[blackhorse]

Germany's EU Presidency Plans Marred by Turkey Dispute

Reviving the constitution, solving energy problems, tackling global warming and improving African relations: Germany has big plans for its EU presidency in 2007. In addition, it now faces a growing dispute with Turkey.

The German cabinet met on Sunday to plan Germany's coming European Union presidency under a cloud of discontent after current EU president Finland scrapped planned meetings with Turkish and Cypriot officials this weekend.

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel, riled by Turkey's unwillingness to give ground on the Cyprus issue and the abandonment of talks on the topic, warned that Turkey's bid to join the EU was in jeopardy due to the worsening dispute with Cyprus.

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Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third in response to a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece, has become one of the biggest obstacles to Turkey's membership talks with the EU, which began last year.

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2226388,00.html

[Demeter]

1. Isn't Germany Host to the Largest Contingent of Turk Guest Workers?

Perhaps a conflict of interest? Although, if joining the EU brought Turks home, the Germans might be willing to deal.