European report criticises Turkey human rights record
"Turkey was today strongly criticised by the European commission for undermining its EU membership talks by slowing the pace of reform on human rights, and for failing to open up its ports and airports to Greek Cypriots.
In a hard-hitting report (pdf) that censures Turkey across the board, the European commission set the stage for a showdown with Ankara by the end of the year." Guardian Unlimited
"German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Wednesday that Turkey would face consequences if Ankara failed to open its ports to ships and planes from Cyprus as part of a bid to join the European Union.
"Turkey must fulfil its obligations by the end of the year," said Merkel, adding: "Otherwise the EU will draw the appropriate conclusions." Expatica