The European Union and Cyprus will not agree terms for direct trade between the Turkish-controlled north of the island and the rest of the EU this year, the EU's Dutch presidency said on Monday. "We need much more time," presidency spokesman Frits Kemperman said. Asked if this meant no deal would be reached this year, he replied: "Yes". Cyprus has been divided into Greek and Turkish sectors since 1974. Greek Cypriots voted against reunification in an April referendum while the Turkish Cypriot north voted in favour. As a result, a divided Cyprus, represented only by the Greek Cypriot south, joined the EU in May. The EU's executive Commission had hoped to reward the north, which is recognised only by Turkey and banned from international trade, by allowing it to trade freely with the rest of the bloc.