Cyprus doesn’t want Turkey to access EU

Cyprus doesn’t want Turkey to access EU

The Mediterranean island, is split between the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot south, which joined the EU in 2004, and a Turkish enclave in the north supported by Ankara. That has made Cyprus extremely wary of Turkey's bid - and it has indicated it will block Turkey's path if Ankara doesn't live up to its obligations to the Cyprus.

The conflict flared up this week during the Turkey's first round of membership negotiations, when Cyprus demanded that Ankara be reminded of its duty to normalize relations with the island.

The standoff was resolved with a last minute compromise, but Turkish membership could become an issue again during a summit this week of EU leaders.