NICOSIA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Cyprus government on Wednesday confirmed reports that it has given notice to all other European Union (EU) countries of its intention to block further progress in Turkey's negotiations on EU entry.

    Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has written to all other European heads of state or government, saying that Turkey must fulfill all its commitments under an agreement with the EU requiring that Ankara extend recognition to all 10 states which joined the block in 2004 including Cyprus, the government spokesman said.

    Turkey sent troops and occupied the northern part of the island in 1974 in response to a coup by a group of Greek army officers. Ankara has refused to recognize the government of Cyprus Republic, which only effectively controls the Greek Cypriot south. Turkey has also barred Greek Cypriot ships and planes from using its ports, airports or air space.

    Christofias's letter was sent ahead of a European Council (EC) meeting in late December, which will evaluate Turkey's compliance with obligations to bring its institutions in line with EU standards.

    Christofias has reportedly urged Turkey in the letter to contribute to achieving a solution to the problem.

    If Turkey did not change its stance on the Cyprus issue by the time of the EC meeting next month, Christofias said, Cyprus would impose sanctions on Turkey regarding its negotiations to join the EU.

    Possible action by the Cyprus government would include blocking some of its accession negotiations chapters, the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation quoted government sources as saying earlier.

    Eight chapters out of a total of 35 have already been frozen by the EU, including the chapter on energy, after objections by Cyprus in protest at Turkey's military action to prevent exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits in the island's exclusive economic zone.