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NATO chief visits Turkey to enhance EU-NATO cooperation

07 October 2010 21:11 (UTC +04:00)

Rasmussen’s visit is part of his tour to capital cities of several NATO allies before attending a NATO summit in Lisbon on Nov. 19 and 20.

The NATO chief came to Ankara with a proposal to convince Turkey to lift its veto on Cyprus in order to enhance EU-NATO cooperation.

Turkey has been blocking closer security cooperation between NATO and the EU due to the vetoes by Greek Cypriots in EU institutions. Turkey blocks the participation of Greek Cypriots in missions of European Security Defense Policy (ESDP).

The Cyprus island has been divided into a Turkish north and Greek south since 1974 following the clashes between two communities. Turkey has occupied the Northern Cyprus in response to a Greek Cypriot coup. While Greek Cypriots are internationally recognized, they have joined the EU in 2004. However, Turkey refuses to recognize the Greek Cypriot government. Thus, Greek Cypriots block many issues related to Turkey in the EU.

"I have recommended EU to enhance security cooperation with Turkey. I offered European Defense Agency (EDA) to make an agreement with Turkey to extend common cooperation areas of defense," Rasmussen told NTV News Channel prior to his visit.

Rasmussen’s proposal for Turkey includes that the EU would conclude a security agreement with Turkey and give Turkey special status in EDA, and involve Ankara in decision-making in EU security missions.

Turkish officials received Rasmussen’s proposal favorably while setting several conditions to conclude Turkey’s agreement with EDA, which Cyprus has blocked, according to local media.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in Thursday’s joint press conference with Rasmussen that EU-NATO cooperation was important for Turkey.

"However, we have serious concerns and those should be removed, " said Davutoglu.

Strengthening the EU-NATO cooperation will benefit all states, including Turkey, Davutoglu said at the press conference, adding Turkey would continue talks with Rasmussen over the issue.