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Cyprus on Wednesday accused Turkey of violating EU Customs Union Agreement by refusing to permit a ship flying the Republic of Cyprus flag to enter a Turkish harbor. Cypriot government spokesman George Lillikas said Turkey's action constitutes a violation of the Customs Union between Turkey and the European Union.

A Cyprus-flag cargo ship Able F from Italy had requested permission to enter the Turkish port of Mersin in southern Turkeyto unload 16 containers, but the Turkish authorities declined togrant permission. The ship anchored two miles off the coast."With its attitude, Turkey once again shows that it does not convince of its commitment to proceed its course respecting its EU obligations," the spokesman said in a statement.

In July last year, Ankara extended a customs union deal with the EU to the ten new member states including Cyprus, meeting the precondition of starting entry talks with the EU last October. But at the same time, Turkey issued a declaration saying its signature of the customs union protocol did not mean it recognized the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkey has so far refused to implement the protocol which provides for the opening of Turkish ports and airports to Cypriot ships and airplanes.

However, Ankara put forward a new proposed on Cyprus problem last month, which allows opening Turkish ports, airports and airspace to Greek Cypriot ships and planes if Turkish Cypriot isolation is lifted.

Cyprus rejected the proposal as an effort by Turkey to avoid its obligations towards Cyprus and the EU.

Cyprus has been divided into the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north since 1974 when Turkey sent troops to take control of the northern third of the island to foil a coup by the Greek Cypriots seeking union with Greece.

The latest UN-led efforts to reunite the island failed in April 2004, when the federation plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots but approved by Turkish Cypriots in a separate referendum. Greek Cypriot-dominated Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union in May 2004 on behalf of the whole island.

The Greek Cypriot government is recognized internationally, but the breakaway northern Cyprus is only recognized by Turkey.

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2006)