Cyprus blocks EU accord on Turkey talks

BRUSSELS, June 9 (Reuters) Cyprus blocked agreement among European Union states today on concluding the first detailed accession negotiations with Turkey, casting doubt on planned ministerial talks on Monday, diplomats said.

''There was no compromise,'' one said after EU ambassadors failed in a second attempt to bridge differences with Nicosia.

The 25 EU foreign ministers may have to take up the issue at their monthly meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, he said.

Other diplomats said the Greek Cypriots demanded the EU include a reference to Turkey's obligation to recognise and normalise ties with Cyprus in the draft accord on science and research, the first of 35 policy sectors to be covered in the membership talks. Britain led the opposition to the demand.

Reuters SHR RS2042