Cicek: E.U. Should Set A Date For Opening Of Accession Talks With Turkey

YALOVA - Justice Minister Cemil Cicek has said, ''the European Union (EU) should set a date for opening of accession talks with Turkey during its summit in December of 2004. It will be beneficial for both Turkey and the EU.''
Responding questions of journalists in northwestern province of Yalova on Saturday, Cicek said, ''one of our policies is to become a full member of the EU. We are determined to fulfill Copenhagen political criteria. If the EU wants to prevent discrimination and to further develop co-operation among civilizations and cultures, Turkey is the only country which can achieve it. The EU should set a date for opening of accession talks with Turkey during its summit meeting in December of 2004. It will be beneficial for both Turkey and the EU. Turkey will make many significant contributions to the EU with its population of 70 million.''
''If the EU does not set a date, it is not the end of the world. We have made all these reforms for welfare of our people,'' he added.
(UK) 03.01.2004