(zaman) - Signals for 'European Union's first serious step for Turkish Cyprus' came from Marc Pierini, head of EU Commission's Delegation for Turkey.
In a speech in Barcelona at the seventh EU-Turkey Seminar organized by European Institute of the Mediterranean(IEMED) and Istanbul Policy Centre from Turkish Sabanci University, Pierini said he expected direct trade regulation for Turkish Cyprus to be launched on the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council on Jan. 22.
Pierini also said that despite the stalling of eight chapters in Turkey's EU bid process, the important thing was that the negotiations were still on track, reports Trend.
Regarding the so-called Armenian genocide, Pierini said that it was an issue pending for solution but not at all to be brought up as an obstacle in Turkey's membership marathon.
Commissioner also said that Turkey needed to work on its image in the process of negotiations for the membership.