French Prime Minister Francois Fillon reiterated his country's opposition to full Turkish membership in the European Union during a visit to southern part of the divided island of Cyprus.

- 12 / 05 / 2008 09:21

France's prime minister reiterated his country's opposition to full Turkish membership in the European Union during a visit to southern part of the divided island of Cyprus.

Paris prefers a "privileged partnership" with the bloc for Turkey, Prime Minister Francois Fillon said late on Friday.

France's opposition stems from Turkey having "occupation troops" in EU-member Cyprus, Fillon said after meeting with Greek Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias.

For his part, Christofias said his government was not opposed to Turkey joining the EU but that Ankara must first re-establish severed diplomatic relations with Greek Cyprus.

Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat plan to meet on May 23 amid renewed efforts to negotiate reunification.

The talks have been deadlocked since 2004.