Greek, Cypriot leaders meet at EU summit

HELSINKI, Finland, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Greek and Cypriot leaders met in Finland Friday to discuss the European Union's effort to end a deadlock over Turkey's membership arising from the Cyprus issue.

Details of the meeting between Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos were not disclosed but the Athens News Agency said it centered on the EU's progress report on Turkey, which is to be released next month.

Asked about Greece's response, Papadopoulos said "never has understanding been lacking on the part of the Greek side, except only for the press ... our cooperation, in action, is excellent."

Finland, the current president of EU, has proposed finding a compromise solution to keep Turkey's membership talks on track, the report said. But Cyprus, a EU member, has said any compromise cannot come at its expense.

The issue relates to Turkey opening its ports and airports to traffic to Cyprus before the end of the year as demanded by EU. The compromise proposal would then require the EU to life its suspension of trade with the Turkish Cypriot community in the north occupied by Turkish forces for more than three decades.

But Cyprus, seeking to reclaim its territory, is demanding more concessions from Turkey and Turkish Cypriots.