ISTANBUL - Danish Parliament European Union (EU) Chairman Claus Larsen Jensen said on Monday that there were two rounds to enter the EU, stating that the first one was to get the entrance ticket, and that the second one was the negotiation process. Jensen said those who complete them first will be taken to the EU.
Jensen and an accompanying delegation visited Istanbul Mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna, and got information about the studies carried out in the city.
Jensen later responded to the questions of reporters.
When asked, ''there were statements in Thessaloniki that five Balkan countries would be taken to the EU before Turkey. What do you think about this?'' Jensen said those were not right.
Jensen said the five countries were told that they would be taken to the EU if they fulfilled the criteria, stating that there were two rounds to enter the EU. He said the first one was to get entrance ticket, stating this was very important. Jensen said the second was the negotiation process, and that this was the completion process of 31 issues.
Pointing out that those who complete those would be taken to the EU primarily, Jensen said they would see who would be taken the first among the other countries.
(AY-AÖ) 23.06.2003