Vanhanen said on Friday that the basic problem remains unresolved, because Turkey is not opening its harbours and airports to transport to and from Cyprus.
On Thursday Turkey offered to open one harbour and one airport to Cyprus – apparently on the condition that the EU will allow direct transport links to the Turkish-occupied north Cyprus, which EU member Cyprus opposes.
EU ambassadors have continued their discussions today, and EU foreign ministers will meet over the matter on Monday.
The commander of the Turkish Army, General Yasar Buyukanit, is dissatisfied with the offer made by Turkey to the EU. In a newspaper interview he said that such a move would deviate from the country’s official line.
The comment is seen as unusual, as the Turkish military has not taken political stands in several years. In the interview, the general was quick to point out that it is the government that decides on such matters.