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Introduces a paper about the role of the European Union (EU) in Turkish-Greek disputes. Reason for conducting such research; Oft-repeated argument that Europeanization processes in EU candidate and member states will lead to the resolution of territorial disputes among them in a win-win framework; Argument that both the EU as an institution and the EU accession process as a mechanism have fallen short of becoming conducive to the resolution of the Turkish-Greek disputes, particularly over Cyprus.

Analyzes the so-called catalytic effects of the European Union's (EU) involvement in the Cyprus dispute between Turkey and Greece and to demonstrate that the promise of the EU has not been so high as some circles have expected it to be. Historical account that highlights the major turning points in the Cyprus policy of EU; Analysis of the major assumptions, on which the catalytic effects of the EU involvement are based.

Argues that the post-Helsinki period in the European Union (EU)-Turkey-Greece triangle has been giving mixed signals as to the credibility and promise of the EU to constructively contribute to the resolution of Turkish-Greek disputes. Some factors that seem promising for the future; Some other factors that continue to shed doubts on the ongoing positive climate and remind observers of Turkish-Greek relations of the painful cycles of conflict-cooperation seen in the past; Aegean Sea and Cyprus disputes.

Discusses issues that add further doubts to the promise of the European Union (EU) in contributing to Turkish-Greek cooperation in the post-Helsinki period. Claim that Turkey's cooperation with Greece seems to be dependent on the nature and quality of her relations with the EU; United States' view of Turkey and her relations with Greece and the EU from a strategic-security perspective; Suggestion that current Greek strategy towards Turkey should value Turkey's membership in the EU more than the resolution of the Aegean and Cyprus disputes in more pro-Greek ways; Latest developments in Iraq and Cyprus that have enhanced the position of Euro-skeptic circles in Turkey to the disadvantage of pro-EU circles.