member, which EU officials say isn't guaranteed and is unlikely for at least a decade. Turkey must, for example, broaden rights for ethnic and religious minorities and limit the military's influence in politics. Before it can start the talks, Turkey also has to expand its customs union with the EU to include Cyprus, a move that EU officials say amounts to de facto recognition of its government. Turkey has occupied the northern part of the divided island since 1974 and refuses to recognize the internationally recognized government in the south of the island. "The problems aren't over. There isn't a solution. Therefore, we don't recognize it," Gul said. He added, however, that Turkey was committed to trying to find a solution to the island's partition. On Saturday, thousands of cheering supporters greeted Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he returned to the Turkish capital, Ankara, vowing to press forward with reforms as part of the nation's EU bid
