EU leaders expected to have tough talks on migration deal with Turkey

European Union leaders gathered here for a new round of talks to tackle the migration crisis on Thursday, a week after initial agreement with Turkey, with tough negotiations expected.

European Council President Donald Tusk said hours ahead of the summit that he was "more cautious than optimistic" on the chance of reaching agreement with Turkey as there was resistance from EU member states to Ankara's proposals presented at the last summit.

Cyprus, which is strongly against Turkey's membership bid to the EU, threatened to veto the possible EU-Turkey plan unless Ankara recognizes the country's Greek Cypriot government, it was reported Thursday.

"Turkey has to open its harbors and airports (to Cypriot boats and planes) and normalize its relations with Cyprus," Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades was quoted as saying.

"If Turkey fulfills its obligations, according to the Ankara negotiation framework, there is no problem, but without it we can do nothing," he added.

Tusk admitted that the talks would be "difficult," stressing that the possible agreement "must be acceptable to all 28 member states, no matter big or small."

"The agreement must fully comply with EU and international law," he added.

The agreement must effectively help solve the migration crisis and contribute to a comprehensive strategy, including getting back to Schengen, ending the wave-through policy, humanitarian assistance to Greece, support to the Western Balkans and reinforcing cooperation with Turkey, he noted.

Ankara on March 7 presented to Brussels new proposals to stem the migrant crisis, asking for extra financial aid, speeding up its EU membership negotiation process and a more liberalized visa scheme in exchange.

EU leaders were divided on Turkey's controversial proposals. German Chancellor Angela Merkel viewed the would-be agreement as a breakthrough but others were more skeptical. Endit