German F.M. Fischer: Turkish Government Met Copenhagen Criteria

BERLIN - German Foreign Minister Jooschka Fischer said on Friday that Turkish government fulfilled Copenhagen criteria and assumed a positive attitude on Cyprus question which he, himself, had not considered as possible.
Speaking at German Parliament on European constitution, Fischer said opening borders and accepting Turkey to European Union (EU) immediately, was not the issue of the discussion at the moment.
Fischer said governmental Justice and Development Party (AK Party) met Copenhagen criteria and assumed a positive attitude on Cyprus question.
Fischer said death sentence was abolished and legal reforms were made, stating that for the first time after foundation of the Turkish Republic, broadcast in minority language was allowed.
He concluded by saying that very important developments were recorded in Turkey as regards the EU membership perspective of Turkey.
(AY-ULG) 02.07.2004