Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja of Finland, the European Union's current presidency, confirmed on Thursday that Turkey has informed the Finnish Presidency of its intention to provisionally open a major sea port to Cypriot vessels.

"Turkey's initiative is a positive step towards full implementation of the Ankara protocol, but still needs clarification. If Turkey is ready for such an unconditional move, this positive step will influence the Council's discussions on the continuation of Turkey's EU accession process," said Tuomioja.

Turkey is planning to open a port and an airport to traffic from Cyprus, in an effort to break the deadlock in negotiations on its entry to the European Union (EU), according to Finnish media reports on Thursday.

Finnish television, citing EU diplomats, said that in return for Turkey's move, the EU would reconsider its proposal to slow down negotiations on Turkey's membership.

The European Commission has recommended suspending eight out of the 35 policy areas or "chapters" relating to Turkey's membership negotiations. The commission has also suggested not to conclude talks on any area until Turkey fulfills its treaty obligation to open its ports and airports to traffic from EU member Cyprus.

Source: Xinhua