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EU Should Open Negotiations with Turkey, but Many Issues Need to be Resolved
Wednesday December 15, 2005
In his first speech as Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, Timothy Kirkhope MEP has said this week's Council Summit must focus on the details of Turkey's membership of the EU.
Mr Kirkhope says that while negotiations should begin with Turkey over membership there are many issues to be resolved, particularly over human rights and political reform.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, Mr Kirkhope said:
"Negotiations with Turkey are likely to be lengthy and difficult, but this week the Council should take a positive step. Like any other applicant country, Turkey must satisfy all the requirements of human rights, economic and political reform.
By agreeing the formal opening of negotiations, the Council should send a clear message to the Turkish Government that we expect it to work to achieve the steps necessary for eventual membership.
Bulgaria and Romania will also be discussed at the Summit. The objective must be to affirm the accession of both countries in 2007, while recognising that there is a great amount of work still to do, particularly in the case of Romania, to ensure they remain on track for membership on the timescale that has been set out."
ENDS
