Prodi: Turkey Is Closer To Membership
Güncelleme Tarihi:
In the historical visit of EU Commission President Romano Prodi, who is the first Commission President visiting Turkey since the signature of the Ankara treaty in 1963, Brussels and Ankara mutually gave warm messages. Addressing the Parliament General Assembly, Prodi said; I can assure you that there will be no further new conditions (for membership to EU).
Nevertheless, settlement of the Cyprus issue will influence our decision. Prodi gave the message that “Turkey is very much closer to membership.”
State Minister Mehmet Aydin welcomed Mr.Prodi, who came to Ankara together with EU Commissioner Gunther Verheugen, at the Esenboga airport. EU Ambassador Hans Jorg Kretschmer and Oguz Demiralp, Turkey’s Special Envoy to EU, accompanied Aydin. Prodi was officially welcomed in the Central Building of the Prime Ministry, where Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and Prodi hugged each other.
Following his meeting with Prodi, Erdogan said, “It is Mr. Prodi, who will conclude the process, which started in the 1999 Helsinki Summit, under his term presidency.” Erdogan stressed that the progress report prepared by the Commission under the presidency of Prodi at the end of this year would be very crucial for Turkey to get a date from EU to commence the accession talks. Prodi said; I am impressed by the advance of Turkey in the recent years. My main message is that Turkey realized very impressive reforms so far and that she is very much closer to EU membership.
Message In General Assembly
EU Commission President Prodi delivered a speech in Parliament as well. Parliament General Assembly opened its gates to a personality, who is not a head of state or government for the first time. Prodi started his Parliament tour by visiting Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc. After addressing the Parliament General Assembly, he met Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal. In his address, Prodi gave the following messages:
Turkey Is Unique
Turkey, that combines a secular and democratic state structure with a mostly Moslem public, has a unique place among European countries. I believe that Turkey will make an extraordinary contribution to peace and regional stability in the beginning of this new century.
We Underwent A Climatic Change
The determination of the Turkish governments to accomplish reforms impressed us. The existing government under Prime Minister Erdogan is continuing the march of Turkey on the way of modernization. I can say that a fundamental climatic change took place in our bilateral relations.
No New Conditions
Let me assure you that our recommendations will be on the basis of objective assessments. The same standards will be applied to Turkey, no one should doubt that. If a loan is necessary, we will extend it.
Cyprus Warning
EU is aware of the fact that Cyprus is very important for the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot people. The time has come to end the outdated separation of Cyprus and her capital. However an agreement attained on the basis of the Annan Plan should lie beneath the acceptance of a united Cyprus to EU on May 1, 2004. A solution will definitely relieve Turkey in terms of her membership expectations and will openly affect the decision that will be taken in the second half of this year. If I am to put it clearly, it is not an official condition, however, it is a political reality. “It is high time to end the outdated division of Cyprus,” he said.