BRUSSELS - EU Foreign Ministers who convened in Brussels within the scope of General Affairs Council prepared the draft final declaration that would be published at the end of the EU Summit to be held between 12-13 December. The draft's paragraphs on Turkey and Cyprus are ready.
The Turkey part of the draft says that ''the European Council welcomes the considerable and determined efforts by the Turkish government to accelerate the pace of reforms, many of which are significant in political and legal terms. The legislative packages so far adopted, the first important steps taken to ensure effective implementation, as well as the progress in addressing many priorities under the Copenhagen political criteria and in the revised Accession Partnership have brought Turkey closer to the Union.''
''Turkey has also made significant progress in meeting the Copenhagen economic criteria. However further sustained efforts are needed, in particular as regards strengthening the independence and functioning of the judiciary, the overall framework for the exercise of fundamental freedoms (association, expression and religion), the further alignment of civil-military relations with European practice, the situation in the southeast of the country and cultural rights, as well as overcoming existing macro-economic imbalances.''
''The European Council underlines the importance of Turkey's expression of political will to settling the Cyprus problem. In this respect a settlement of the Cyprus problem would greatly facilitate Turkey's membership aspirations.''
''The European Council encourages Turkey to build on the substantial progress achieved so far in its preparations for launching accession negotiations and underlines its commitment to work towards full implementation of the pre-accession strategy with Turkey, including the revised Accession Partnership, in view of the decision to be taken by the European Council in December 2004 on the basis of the report and recommendations of the Commission.''
Regarding the Cyprus issue, the draft says that ''the European Council reiterates its preference for a reunited Cyprus to join the Union on May 1, 2004, in order to allow all Cypriots to enjoy a secure and prosperous future and the benefits of the EU accession...The European Council urges all parties concerned, in particular Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership, to strongly support the UN Secretary General's efforts and in this context calls for an immediate resumption of talks on the basis of his proposals. Following a settlement, the Union is ready to provide financial assistance for the development of the northern part of Cyprus.''
The draft will become official after getting approval of the leaders of EU states and governments in the summit.
(Öª) 09.12.2003