Rome - Qna
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said on Monday that Turkey''s threats to the EU on Cyprus'' possible presidency if next year''s EU meeting as "dangerous indications." Speakingto local newspapers in Italy here today , Frattini called on France and Germany to work harder not to push Turkey away from the European Union. He said, "we have been working for years as lawyers to get Turkey closer to the European Union.We are aware that closing the door on Ankara''s attempts to join the EU will push its sights East-wards (towards Iran)." Also describing as "dangerous indications" was Erdogan''s latest remarks which criticized Israel. Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, recognized by the international community, as it harbors the Greek citizens of Cyprus. Turkey only recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus where the Turkish citizens of Cyprus live.