EU-candidate Turkey will freeze relations with the European Union if Cyprus is given the EU presidency in 2012, Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay was quoted as saying by the state-run news agency Anatolian late on Saturday.
The comments could signal a new low point in ties between the European Union and Turkey which began accession talks to the bloc in 2005.
They come at a time of heightened tension in the eastern Mediterranean where Turkey is locked in a row with Cyprus over potential offshore gas deposits and Turkey’s relations with one-time ally Israel are frayed.
A dispute is escalating between Turkey and Cyprus over Greek Cypriot pans to launch gas explorations around the divided island.
(source: Reuters)
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