Finland's Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja responded with cautious optimism yesterday when asked if he believes the deal will satisfy Turkey.
While the Turkish Prime Minister declined to comment on the matter yesterday, Finnish officials were greatly relieved. Tuomioja said that while no one is completely satisfied with the deal, everyone can live with it - even Turkey.
The EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Olli Rehn, said, "This decision strikes the right balance and it is a carefully calibrated decision. On the one hand, it sends a signal to Turkey that failure to meet legal obligations cannot remain without consequences. At the same time it clarifies the way forward and enables progress in the accession negotiations."
The basis for the agreement is a proposal by the European Commission, augmented by additional proposals by EU Presidency-holder Finland.
The European Commission has proposed freezing part of the agenda of the membership talks because of Turkey’s refusal to allow Cypriot ships and planes to use its harbours and airports.
Last week Turkey offered to open one of its harbours and one airport to transport to and from Cyprus.