Germany does not expect EU deal on Turkey

Berlin, Dec 11: European positions are too far apart to reach an agreement today on how to penalise Turkey for failing to normalise trade with Cyprus, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a television interview.

''The positions of the European member states are too far apart for that, though they are closer,'' he told public television station ARD ahead of talks between EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

''But this meeting today will be important to prepare for the heads of government meeting. I am very confident that there will be an agreement at the end of this week,'' he added.

European government leaders are due to meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday and EU relations with Turkey are expected to be at the top of the agenda.

European countries are split about how harshly Ankara should be penalised for failing to open all its ports and airports to EU member Cyprus. The European Commission has recommended a partial suspension of Turkish talks to join the bloc.

Steinmeier denied that there were differences between himself and Chancellor Angela Merkel on how to proceed, saying they were united in the conviction that Turkey could not escape punishment but also that an over-reaction which would halt negotiations completely was unwise.

Reuters