Most recently, the Turkish government rejected EU proposals for informal cooperation, Hurriyet reported.

"We are at a dead end," Gerard Araud, the political director of the French Foreign Ministry, said Thursday during a visit to Ankara.

Turkey is a member of NATO and has applied for membership in the European Union. Cyprus is in the EU, but Turkey has blocked its inclusion in NATO.

"In return for a step taken by Turkey in NATO, a counter-step would be taken by the EU. But for Turkey, giving something to Cyprus would mean recognition of Cyprus," Araud said. "Practically, Cyprus needs to make a security agreement with NATO in order to establish ties with the alliance, which is being blocked by Turkey."