Turkey said on Tuesday it had sent a letter to the European Commission confirming that it is ready to sign a protocol extending its customs union with the European Union to 10 new members, including Cyprus. Extending the protocol is a key condition before Turkey can begin EU accession talks in October but Ankara says the protocol will not amount to recognition of the Greek Cypriot government.
Cyprus has threatened to veto the start of Turkey's EU talks if it is dissatisfied with Ankara's stance and says the protocol means Ankara must let Cypriot planes enter its airspace and Cypriot-flagged ships call at Turkish ports.
In Brussels, a Commission spokeswoman confirmed that the EU executive had received Turkey's letter and would set in motion a decision by EU ministers leading to the signature of the accord in time for Turkey to start EU entry talks on October 3.
The Turkish move, equivalent to initialling the protocol, "certainly creates a better atmosphere in the preparations for starting talks," spokeswoman Krisztina Nagy told reporters.
"The signing of the protocol is not a legal and formal recognition of the Republic of Cyprus", Nagy said.
Cyprus joined the EU last May represented by the Greek Cypriot government. Ankara backs a tiny Turkish Cypriot enclave in the north.
"We have begun the process of signing the protocol. Today the commissioner for enlargement will give information on this issue, probably at the European Parliament. But we have given our approval," Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said.
Gul, in a televised speech to his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said the protocol covered only the free movement of goods and did not require Turkey to open its ports and airports to the Cypriots.
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