Solution, not a precondition for accession

European Union Commissioner responsible for enlargement Gunter Verheugen has praised the progress Cyprus has made in its bid to introduce reforms in line with the acquis communautaire, according to a Cyprus News Agency report.

Addressing a meeting of EU foreign ministers here, he said he has no direct involvement in the UN-led peace process but is in touch with all sides, especially the UN, pointing to the need to have a solution that would be consistent with EU laws and regulations and allow Cyprus to speak with one voice as an EU member.

Verheugen said that the Turkish Cypriot side and Ankara should make a greater effort, adding that other international players in the Cyprus question share this view.

The German Commissioner said the positive efforts of the Cyprus government will be taken into consideration when the time comes for the EU to decide on enlargement, in accordance with the Helsinki EU summit conclusions which say that a political settlement would facilitate a settlement but it is not a precondition.